Former Northern Ireland Open champions Kyren Wilson and Mark Williams advanced to the semi-finals on Friday in Belfast, keeping both players on course for a potential meeting in this year’s tournament.
Kyren Wilson and Mark Williams Advance to Semi-Finals
World number nine Kyren Wilson secured his place in the final four with a convincing 6-1 victory over Anthony McGill during the afternoon session at the Waterfront Hall. Wilson established a commanding 4-0 lead over his Scottish opponent, fueled by breaks of 77, 75, and 122. McGill responded with a run of 66 in the fifth frame, but the Englishman closed out the match to progress.
Later in the evening, Mark Williams faced David Gilbert in a harder-fought contest. Gilbert built an early 3-1 advantage backed by breaks of 62, 95, and 60. After the two players split the next two frames, the 51-year-old Welshman surged ahead by compiling three centuries in consecutive frames, sweeping the final four frames to seal a 6-4 win.
Belfast Semi-Final Matchups Set
Wilson secured a first semi-final appearance at a ranking event since March 2025. He now faces compatriot Sam Craigie, who advanced to only his second-ever ranking event semi-final by defeating Elliot Slessor 6-2. Slessor took an early lead after compiling an 82, but Craigie reeled off five consecutive frames to take control.
Kyren Wilson and Mark Williams have been touted as the new 'favourites' to win the Northern Ireland Open.Wilson and Williams are the only players left from the top 16.A long run is ideal for Wilson who is in need of points to secure an automatic Crucible spot. #snooker pic.twitter.com/iyzELylkR2
Williams moves on to face fellow Welshman Jak Jones in the second semi-final. Jones punched his ticket through a late-night thriller against Scott Donaldson, edging out a 6-5 victory with a break of 84 in the decider.
Champions Meet in Tournament Context
Both players arrive in the semi-finals with deep tournament histories. Wilson claimed both the world title and the NI Open crown in 2024. Williams enters Saturday’s matches as a three-time world champion and the 2017 NI Open winner.
On the other side of the draw, Jak Jones brings strong seasonal momentum into his match against Williams, having already collected the British Open and Championship League titles earlier this season.