Trump and O’Sullivan stunned in Belfast first-round deciders

Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan have joined the growing list of major names eliminated in the first round of the 2026 Northern Ireland Open, both losing dramatic deciding frames in Belfast.

O’Sullivan looked in control against Ka Wai Cheung after breaks of 56, 138 and 72 carried him into a 3-1 lead. Cheung responded superbly, making runs of 88 and 77 to force a decider before a composed 60 completed a memorable 4-3 victory.

Martin O’Donnell then edged four-time Northern Ireland Open champion Trump 4-3. It was O’Donnell’s first win over Trump in nine meetings and secured his place in the last 32 against Luca Brecel.

The two results continued an extraordinary start at the Waterfront Hall, where nine top-16 players had already fallen by the end of day two. With so many leading contenders gone, this year’s race for the Alex Higgins Trophy is wide open.

Sources and further coverage: World Snooker Tour’s afternoon report and evening report, plus RTÉ Sport’s Belfast coverage.