LIVE UPDATE: Northern Ireland Open quarter finals as Judd Trump eyes fifth crown 

LIVE UPDATE: Northern Ireland Open quarter finals as Judd Trump eyes fifth crown

 

 

As the 2025 edition of the Northern Ireland Open reaches its climax, the quarter-final stage is delivering drama, intrigue and high-class snooker. Headlining the action is world number one Judd Trump, who enters the Waterfront Hall in Belfast aiming for a remarkable fifth title in this event.

Trump’s Form & Ambition

Trump arrives in the last eight in excellent shape, having dropped very few frames on his way so far. His record in this event underscores why he is a legitimate favourite: he has already won the Northern Ireland Open four times and has 70 career quarter-final appearances at this event alone.

The ambition now: clinch that fifth crown and further cement his dominance in Belfast.

Quarter-Final Line-Up and Format

The quarter-finals are being played in a best-of-9 frames format. Noteworthy ties include:

Trump vs. Shaun Murphy — a clash of styles, and of experience versus flair.

Other major names also in contention, making the overall line-up especially strong this year.

The Trump vs Murphy Match

In recent appearances Trump has shown impressive composure and break-building ability. Against  in the round of 16, he secured a 4-1 win, finishing with a break of 105. Now, facing former world champion Murphy in the quarters, the pressure ramps up. Murphy will be looking to upset the favourite, but Trump’s momentum is undeniable.

Key aspects to watch:

Break building: Trump’s ability to string breaks together and clear tables swiftly gives him an edge.

Safety battle: With Murphy’s tactical experience, frames could become scrappy and hinge on a key miss.

Mental edge: Trump has the form, but knockout matches bring different demands — Murphy knows how to raise his game.

Why Belfast Matters

Trump’s strong record in Belfast adds weight to his status. His victories here have come in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023. The venue has become one of his happy hunting grounds, and the crowd knows it — which can be both a support and a challenge (managing expectation). The Northern Ireland Open is also part of the Home Nations series, giving extra prestige to the title.

What’s At Stake

Fifth title: Capturing five trophies in this event would underscore Trump’s supremacy at this tournament and place him among the all-time greats.

Momentum boost: Winning the quarter-final and moving deeper gives Trump strong momentum into the semis and final — crucial in a condensed event.

Ranking and pride: As world number one, Trump will want to reinforce his standing; the title also carries ranking points and prize money.

Live Viewing & Timing

The action is live and ongoing in Belfast. For broadcasting: the UK and Europe can follow via Eurosport and discovery+ platforms. The format means high-stakes frames begin early, so fans should tune in promptly for the quarter-final sessions.

Final Thoughts

Judd Trump is entering his quarter-final match at the Northern Ireland Open as the player to beat. His form, record and ambition all align for a deep run — but in knockout snooker, nothing is guaranteed. With Shaun Murphy in his way, the stage is set for another compelling chapter in Belfast.