15th October

October 15, 2026

Global snooker updates from this week in an easy 5-minute read.

Lisowski Defends as Northern Ireland Open Draw Is Revealed

The draw is set for the Northern Ireland Open, which runs October 18-25 at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Defending champion Jack Lisowski, who beat Judd Trump 9-8 last year for his first ranking title, opens against Huang Jiahao. Four-time winner Trump meets Martin O'Donnell, while world number one Zhao Xintong faces Gao Yang.

Elsewhere in the last 64, Mark Selby plays Louis Heathcote, Jak Jones takes on Tom Ford, John Higgins meets Liam Highfield and Chang Bingyu faces Ryan Day. Ali Carter, who won the English Open last month, is in pole position for the £150,000 Home Nations Series bonus. Matches are best of 7 up to the last 16, with the quarter-finals and semi-finals best of 11 and a two-session final over best of 17.

£100kWinner's share

£550,400Total prize fund

Oct 18-25Dates

Mark Allen Scheduled for Belfast Return

Mark Allen is due to make his return to competitive snooker in Belfast. He is scheduled to face close friend and fellow Northern Irishman Jordan Brown in the opening round on October 20. The 40-year-old hasn't played a professional match since losing his World Championship semi-final to Wu Yize in May, and has withdrawn from every event since, citing personal reasons.

The two-time Northern Ireland Open champion (2021 and 2022) would have the home crowd behind him, and Brown is the only other Northern Irish player left in the field. Allen is listed to play at the time of writing, and the tour has said it remains in contact with him.

Around the World

Asia – Nanjing Awaits The International Championship runs October 31 to November 7 in Nanjing, China. Jimmy White, 64, is among the qualifiers after his 6-5 win over Matthew Stevens.

Women's – Australian Open Starts This Weekend The Australian Women's Open runs October 17-20 in Sydney, followed by the Niche Cues Women's Open in Kuala Lumpur from October 24-27.

USA – Pan Am Championships Two Weeks Out The 2026 Pan American Snooker Championships will be staged at the Mampituba Country Club in Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from October 31 to November 8.

Europe – Q Tour Europe Heads to Germany Event 3 of the Q Tour Europe season takes place in Oberhausen, Germany from October 22-25, with Sanderson Lam leading the standings.

Meet Kevin De Roo of Deroo Cues, Vancouver's answer to the UK's top cue makers. Read the full story →

Club of the week: PS Sport Academy

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