Kyren Wilson has been crowned the 2026 Northern Ireland Open champion after producing a dominant display to defeat Jak Jones 9-2 in the final at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
The final was a repeat of the pair’s memorable meeting at the Crucible in 2024, when Wilson defeated Jones 18-14 to become World Champion for the first time.
More than two years later, the outcome was the same as Wilson delivered an impressive performance to lift the Alex Higgins Trophy and collect the £100,000 top prize.
Wilson Takes Control in Belfast
Wilson established his authority on the contest during the afternoon session, producing some outstanding scoring as he opened up a commanding 6-2 advantage.
The Warrior compiled three century breaks during the session, leaving Jones with a mountain to climb when the players returned for the evening.
Having already seen off Sam Craigie 6-5 in a dramatic semi-final, Wilson carried that momentum into the title match and gave his opponent few opportunities to establish himself.
Jones had enjoyed an excellent week of his own in Belfast, including consecutive deciding-frame victories over Scott Donaldson and Mark Williams on his way to the final.
However, Wilson proved a step too far.
The Warrior Completes the Job
Any hopes of a Jones comeback were quickly extinguished when play resumed.
Wilson won the opening three frames of the evening session to turn his 6-2 advantage into an emphatic 9-2 victory, securing another significant title in his career.
The triumph marks Wilson’s 11th career ranking title and his first ranking event victory in 19 months.
It is also his second Northern Ireland Open title, having previously lifted the Alex Higgins Trophy in 2020.
2026 Northern Ireland Open Final
Kyren Wilson 9-2 Jak Jones
Champion: Kyren Wilson
Runner-up: Jak Jones
Venue: Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Winner’s prize: £100,000
Trophy: Alex Higgins Trophy
Another Belfast Crown for Wilson
The victory completes a superb week for Wilson and once again demonstrates why the former World Champion remains one of the leading players in the game.
For Jones, defeat in the final should not take away from another strong tournament. The Welshman battled through two consecutive deciding frames in the latter stages to earn his place in the showpiece match.
Ultimately, however, the final belonged to Wilson.
From his three centuries during the afternoon to a ruthless finish in the evening, the Warrior produced a champion’s performance to secure the Alex Higgins Trophy and add another ranking title to his collection.
Congratulations to Kyren Wilson, the 2026 Northern Ireland Open champion.
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