Northern Ireland Open 2023 snooker LIVE: Judd Trump, Mark Williams, Jimmy White, Mark Allen & Shaun Murphy all in action

His break came back from the bottom cushion and ricocheted off the pink, but Trump could only put six points on the board and after a fine pot Kendrick is back on the table.

A hundred break in the fifth frame and one of 62 in the decider put Cao Yupeng into the second round at the expense of Robert Milkins.

He potted the awkward red Trump left after his double and Kendrick went on to clear up with a superb exhibition of potting and cue ball control. “As good a break of 90 as you will see,” Eurosport commentator Philip Studd.

He attempted a double red to continue the break but has to settle for this early advantage.

After a safety exchange, Trump potted a long red and is now settled building a break with the reds around the black spot.

He is the 3/1 favourite as he looks for a fourth Alex Higgins trophy, with local hero Mark Allen 8/1 to win a third straight title.

He defeated Wu Yize 4-1 this morning.

He is coming off his triumphant at the Wuhan Open and faces Hailong Ma starting at 1pm.

Thanks for joining our coverage of the Northern Ireland Open which gets underway shortly.

Ranking snooker is back in Northern Ireland after the tour circuit makes its way back from China.

The breathless nature of the 2023/24 season continues, with the stars of snooker heading back from Wuhan for the Northern Ireland Open.

Mark Allen is the current champion after his excellent season in the last campaign, but he has been less impressive in the new competition year.

Judd Trump has both the Wuhan Open and English Open to his name in 2023, so will be looking for a ranking title hat-trick.

The Northern Ireland Open will be held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from October 22 to October 29.

All matches are best-of-seven until the quarter-finals, which are the best-of-nine frames.

The semi-finals are best-of-11 frames, with the final a two-session, best-of-17 affair.

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