Kyren Wilson Ends Ranking Semi-Final Drought at Northern Ireland Open
Former world champion Kyren Wilson reached the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, ending a year-and-a-half spell without a ranking event last-four appearance, snookerhq.com reported. The 34-year-old booked his place in the penultimate round by maintaining a high level of intensity throughout the week, setting up a clash against Sam Craigie. While Wilson has secured major titles in recent seasons, his struggles in ranking tournaments have caused his ranking to slip from second to ninth in the world.
Ranking Struggles Follow Prolific Title Run
The recent dip in ranking events stands in direct contrast to Wilson’s prolific form during the 2024–2025 period, where he captured five titles, including the 2024 World Championship and the 2025 Players Championship. Additional successes followed in invitational tournaments, with Wilson winning the 2025 Shanghai Masters, reaching the final again the following year, and capturing a maiden Masters crown at Alexandra Palace. Because invitational victories do not count toward ranking points, however, his ranking position dropped. That slide raised concerns among observers regarding his defense of ranking points this term, particularly at the Belfast event he won two years ago.
“I feel like I’ve been ticking along nicely,” Wilson told the World Snooker Tour. “Through bits and bobs of the season, I’ve played some really good matches. I’ve won some great games against some great players.”
Waterfront Hall Semi-Finals Set Up in Belfast
Wilson enters Saturday’s opening fixture as the clear favorite against Sam Craigie, who has advanced to the semi-finals of a ranking event for only the second time in his career. Craigie’s run offers him an opportunity to secure a maiden final appearance on the professional circuit. Reflecting on his own breakthrough years, Wilson recalled his 2015 Shanghai Masters victory, where he emerged from the qualifying rounds to claim his first major professional title.
'It's been a tough period for me and my family'Kyren Wilson spoke today after progressing at the Northern Ireland Open, and in the wake of an intruder who broke into his house being sent to jail earlier this monthReport: https://t.co/UeBWwhupel #RTESport #Snooker #Belfast pic.twitter.com/W9V0Y4UevW
“It was obviously a little bit different for me, because out in Shanghai then I was out on my own,” Wilson said. “I’m sure whoever is going to be in the semi-finals against myself will have friends and family around them. You’ve got to just try and stay away from that buzz, because it’s natural that they get excited around you.”
The second semi-final at the tournament features an all-Welsh encounter between Mark Williams and Jak Jones. The remaining four competitors are fighting for the £100,000 top prize and the Alex Higgins Trophy.
Waterfront Hall Hosts Northern Ireland Open Semi-Finals
- Event: Northern Ireland Open
- Venue: Waterfront Hall, Belfast
- Top Prize: £100,000 and the Alex Higgins Trophy
- Saturday Semi-Final 1: Kyren Wilson versus Sam Craigie
- Saturday Semi-Final 2: Mark Williams versus Jak Jones
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kyren Wilson’s current ranking position?
Kyren Wilson’s ranking position has slipped from second in the world down to ninth, driven by a prolonged drought in ranking event deep runs prior to the Northern Ireland Open.
Who won the Shanghai Masters in 2015?
Kyren Wilson won the 2015 Shanghai Masters after fighting his way through the first round of qualifiers to claim his first major professional title.
Who is playing in the second semi-final at the Waterfront Hall?
The second semi-final of the Northern Ireland Open features an all-Welsh match between Mark Williams and Jak Jones.
More on Shanghai Masters
Keep reading