Latest Snooker News - October 22, 2026
Welcome to the latest issue of the Snooker247 Newsletter! Sent out to our subscribers on October 22. In this edition, we cover the most exciting moments from recent matches, behind-the-scenes updates, and upcoming tournaments you won't want to miss.
🎯 Snooker News October 22:
😱 Shock After Shock: O'Sullivan and Trump Out in Belfast
💙 Mark Allen Returns, but Says He Is in a 'Bad Place'
🌍 Around the World: Cheung's Breakthrough, Ng On Yee's Record Third Sydney Title, USSA Open & Q Tour Europe in Oberhausen
Shock After Shock: O'Sullivan and Trump Out in Belfast
The Northern Ireland Open has been defined by upsets at the Waterfront Hall. Ronnie O'Sullivan, 50, lost 4-3 to Hong Kong qualifier and world number 110 Cheung Ka Wai, who won the final three frames after O'Sullivan had hit back from 1-0 down with breaks of 56, 138 and 72. It was Cheung's first main-draw knockout win at a ranking event.
Judd Trump, a four-time winner of the event, was edged out in a deciding frame by world number 56 Martin O'Donnell. Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Xiao Guodong, Shaun Murphy and Ali Carter all fell on the opening day, with Chris Wakelin and Barry Hawkins following on Monday. "I'm very happy that I can still play well under pressure," Cheung said afterwards.
4-3O'Sullivan's loss | No.110Cheung's ranking | 10Top-16 out in round one |
Mark Allen Returns, but Says He Is in a 'Bad Place'
Mark Allen's long-awaited return to competition ended in a 4-2 defeat to close friend Jordan Brown in the first round in Belfast, his first match in 171 days. From 2-2, with two frames decided on the last black, Brown took the next two with breaks of 53 and 80 and now faces Michael Holt in the last 32.
A tearful Allen told TNT Sports he was in a "bad place" and that his career could be over, having stayed away from the tour for personal reasons he has kept private. Brown called it "easily the hardest match I've ever had to deal with". Everyone at Snooker247 is thinking of Mark, and if you're struggling yourself, please reach out to someone you trust.
4-2 Final score | 171 Days since last match | 12 Ranking titles |
Around the World
Asia – Cheung Ka Wai Makes His Mark Hong Kong's Cheung Ka Wai, the world number 110, now plays Stuart Bingham for a place in the last 16 after his win over O'Sullivan.
Women's – Ng On Yee Wins Third Australian Open Ng On Yee beat Thailand's Mink Nutcharut 4-3 in the Sydney final for a record third title, her 25th ranking title on the women's tour.
USA – Wei Wins iCue USSA Open Wei has taken the 2026 iCue USSA Open at the iCue Billiard Club in Rowland Heights, California, on the USSA National Tour.
Europe – Q Tour Europe Hits Oberhausen Event 3 of the Q Tour Europe season gets under way in Oberhausen, Germany today and runs through October 25.
Featured Read: Mike Wooldridge
Mike Wooldridge makes handmade snooker cues built to order. Read the full story →
🔗 Originally Published On October 22
This issue was first published on October 22 via our Snooker247 Beehiiv Newsletter. Subscribe to get the latest straight to your inbox: https://www.snooker247.com/snooker-newsletter
Comments