Northern Ireland Open champion dedicates title to mother after cancer battle
Dominant Kyren Wilson dedicated his Northern Ireland Open title to his mum after she overcame breast cancer in the summer.
The world champion, 32, blew away away rival runaway world No.1 Judd Trump 9-3 at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Sunday night. Wilson won the first seven frames and never looked back as he shone in front of a packed house.
Defending champion Trump was bidding for a famous fifth Alex Higgins trophy, but Wilson — amazingly — became the first right-handed winner of the event since it started back in 2016.
Wilson, who was roared on by his mum and brother all week in Belfast, pocketed the £100,000 top prize.
It’s a second showpiece final victory over Trump this season after beating him at the inaugural Xi’an Grand Prix.
And the world No.2 beamed: “I’m not quite sure where my mum is in the crowd, she’ll hate me saying this but she’s just got over breast cancer.
“We found out around about the World Championship so to win that for her was amazing
“For her to spend the week here and witness this is brilliant. She’s loved it this week.
“The boys [Finlay and Bailey] have been on a propeller plane for the first time to get here today, they said that was nerve-wracking. It was great to have them all here.
“It will make the Guinness taste better tonight, that’s for sure.”
The damage was done in a seven-frame burst in the afternoon as Wilson hit breaks of 88, 81, 77, 77 and 58.
Trump won three of the next four frames to stay alive at 8-3 behind with runs of 143 — the joint highest break of the tournament — 83, 61.
But hopes of one of the greatest ever comebacks were short-lived as Wilson secured the title in style with a century of his own.
Gracious Trump said: “Kyren was too good today. The way he’s bounced back from winning the World Championship inspiring.
“It’s nice to see someone kick on after being world champion. Hopefully we can have many more battles over the years.”