Judd Trump bolsters incredible Northern Ireland Open match win record as last 32 begins

The round of 32 in the £550,400 world ranking event got underway on Tuesday night and world number one Trump saw off Welsh youngster Page to set up a meeting with either Gary Wilson or Martin O’Donnell on Thursday in the capital.

Trump - who compiled over 100 centuries in a record-breaking campaign last season - made just one half-century (53) in his latest outing, but his performance was enough to strengthen an already remarkable record in the Northern Ireland Open.

Having lifted The Alex Higgins Trophy in three consecutive years between 2018 to 2020 - bizarrely defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan 9-7 in the final on each occasion - Trump secured a fourth title in 2023, and nearly made it a quintet last year before losing to Kyren Wilson in the final.

‘The Ace in the Pack’ has now won 40 of his last 43 matches in the tournament. Such happy memories in this competition could inspire Trump this week to a first professional title since his UK Championship triumph at the start of last December.

Speaking to TNT Sports shortly after his disjointed win over Page, Trump explained that he struggled to get a rhythm because of the conditions - something he described as a reoccurring theme this season.

Whilst Trump is aiming for a 31st ranking event crown, 25-year-old Yuan Sijun is trying to reach his maiden ranking event final. And that could come this week at the Waterfront as the Chinese cueist defeated fellow countryman Long Zehuang, 4-2.

Yuan is set to meet reigning Shoot Out champion Tom Ford in the next round as runs of 75 and 78 helped him to a 4-1 win against world number 16 Chris Wakelin.

Aaron Hill's snooker stock continues to rise as the 23-year-old shaded world number 13 Barry Hawkins, 4-3, to make the last 16 of his home professional event.

Hawkins secured the first frame with a 79 before the Republic of Ireland's number one ranked player Hill strung together the next three frames along with efforts of 66, 77 and 58. However, 2016 runner-up Hawkins reduced the gap before producing a 90 to force the contest all the way.

In the decider, though, Hawkins missed a red early on and Hill - roared on by support - fully capitalised with a match-winning contribution of 92.

It is already the fourth time this season that youngster Hill has made the last 16 of a ranking event.

Wednesday's final victor was John Higgins as he squeezed past Pang Junxu in another deciding frame outcome.

Pang was set well as a 94 put him 2-0 ahead before Higgins recorded runs of 126, 58 and 58 to turn the tables at 3-2 up.

A break of 137 from Pang in the sixth meant a seventh and final frame was required. A scrappy and tense affair with both players missing, the vastly experienced Higgins took the initiative and delivered the goods when needed to get over the line.

The last 32 will resume and conclude on Wednesday with reigning champion Wilson, the in-form Shaun Murphy, four-time world champion Mark Selby, and home heroes Mark Allen and Jordan Brown being some of the names on the schedule.

Visit our tournament information centre here for details on the 2025 Northern Ireland Open including the draw, results, schedule and how to watch.