Northern Ireland Open 2026 draw: Ronnie O'Sullivan to face Cheung Ka Wai as Lisowski starts his defence

Ronnie O'Sullivan is set to return to the Northern Ireland Open for the first time since 2023 when the ranking event begins at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Sunday, 18 October. The seven-time world champion has been drawn against Hong Kong's Cheung Ka Wai on Monday, 19 October, while defending champion Jack Lisowski opens against China's Huang Jiahao.

Dates and prize money

The tournament runs for eight days, from 18 to 25 October, with the best-of-17 final on Sunday, 25 October. The winner receives £100,000 and the runner-up £45,000. The event is part of the Home Nations series and the champion lifts the Alex Higgins Trophy, named after the late Northern Irish two-time world champion.

O'Sullivan's return comes with a caveat

O'Sullivan's name in the draw is the main talking point, but TNT Sports noted that he has pulled out of events at short notice in the past, so his appearance is not guaranteed until he walks out. If he plays, Cheung will be his first opponent. O'Sullivan remains the sport's biggest draw, and a run in Belfast would be closely watched by fans across Asia, where he has a large following.

Lisowski starts his defence

Lisowski arrives as champion after beating Judd Trump 9-8 in a dramatic 2025 final, a long-awaited first ranking title. He begins against Huang Jiahao on the opening day; snooker.org lists that match for 12:00 UTC, which is 8pm in Malaysia.

Trump, the beaten finalist last year, faces Martin O'Donnell. The first round also includes Mark Selby against Louis Heathcote, Neil Robertson against Ricky Walden, Shaun Murphy against Liam Davies, Mark Williams against Robbie Williams and John Higgins against Liam Highfield. Kyren Wilson meets Belgium's Ben Mertens.

Chinese challenge

The Chinese contingent is again strong. Wu Yize plays Scotland's Scott Donaldson, and world No.1 Zhao Xintong faces compatriot Gao Yang. Zhao became world No.1 during the Wuhan Open in August, although Chang Bingyu beat him 10-7 in that final to claim a first ranking title.

Qualifying for Belfast took place in Leicester in September. Mateusz Baranowski reached the venue stage after his qualifying opponent, Gong Chenzhi, did not turn up, and the Pole now meets Gary Wilson.

Busy opening days

With 64 players in the first round, the opening two days are packed. Several of the leading names are drawn against experienced opponents who will fancy their chances of an upset in the short early-round matches.

TNT Sports lists 13 first-round matches on Sunday and 19 on Monday, with some ties expected to be held over. Exact session times can change, so fans in Malaysia should check the order of play before each day. Belfast is seven hours behind Malaysia during this period, so afternoon sessions fall in the Malaysian evening and evening sessions run past midnight.

Key takeaways

• The 2026 Northern Ireland Open runs from 18 to 25 October at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
• Ronnie O'Sullivan is drawn against Cheung Ka Wai on 19 October, his first appearance at the event since 2023.
• Defending champion Jack Lisowski opens against Huang Jiahao.
• The winner earns £100,000.

FAQ

When does the 2026 Northern Ireland Open start? On Sunday, 18 October 2026, with the final on Sunday, 25 October.

Who is the defending champion? Jack Lisowski, who beat Judd Trump 9-8 in the 2025 final.

What time are matches in Malaysia? Belfast is seven hours behind Malaysia. A 1pm start in Belfast, for example, is 8pm in Malaysia.

Sources: TNT Sports, snooker.org, Wikipedia