2023 Irish Open & World Matchplay Championship

(Credit: SBI Ireland – SBI HQ/Academy in Carlow)

World Matchplay Championship & Irish Open – 19-26th May ’23

The World Matchplay Championship (level 6 World Ranking Event) returns to the SBI Academy in Carlow, Ireland, and is preceded by the Irish Open, a level 3 World Ranking Event.

This state of the art facility is one of the finest in Europe having opened in 2021. We are extremely grateful for the support of Snooker and Billiards Ireland in hosting these events following the great success of last year’s Irish Open and World Matchplay.

Situated a short drive from the former Ivy Rooms in Carlow which hosted many championships over the years, it has four Star tables and four recently installed Rasson tables, all of which have TV style lighting and under table heating. The tables will be recovered in Strachan Superfine cloth.

Once again the modified short format and baulkline crossing rules will be in operation for the World Matchplay. The Irish Open will be played using the timed format with standard rules.

Current Champion:

David Causier is the current World Matchplay champion, with Rob Hall the defending champion in the Irish Open. Please visit our YouTube playlist for footage from the 2022 World Matchplay Championship.

Venue Details:

SBI HQ,
Academy of Excellence Graiguecullen,
Co. Laois,
Carlow Town

A location map is included here. The location of the venue appears as ‘Gleeson Sales and Service’ on Google maps.

On-site parking is available.

(SBI Academy)

Dates:

The Irish Open will run from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st May. The Matchplay will follow on from this on the 22nd running until its climax on the 26th.

Accommodation:

We have negotiated a reduced rate at the The Talbot Hotel which is situated a short drive, or a 10-15 minute walk, from the venue.

• Twin/Double room (2 people sharing) – €90 per night
• Single room (sole occupancy) – €80 per night

These rates include breakfast.

Please be aware we stipulate that all players and officials are required to stay at this hotel. It can be very expensive to stay in Ireland around this time of year and we are very thankful to The Talbot Hotel for their hospitality and agreement in hosting us at the reduced rates. A block of rooms have been reserved to ensure availability for all participants.

Please email reservations@talbothotelcarlow.ie to book and quote WBL23, or call and ask for David in reservations.

A shuttle bus service will be operating daily to transport players and officials between the Talbot Hotel and the venue.

(Credit: SBI Ireland – SBI HQ/Academy in Carlow)

Travel:

The nearest international airport is Dublin Airport.

Just outside the arrivals terminal is a coach park where you can find coaches that will take you direct to Carlow. To book coach travel please visit JJ Kavanagh or Bus Eireann. The journey time is on average about 2 hours. If you get off at Carlow Coach Park it is a 6 minute drive (or 30 minute walk) to the Talbot Hotel. Taxis are available from local firms such as Erin Cabs.

You can also travel by train to Carlow from Dublin Heuston station, these run frequently however the station is 20 minutes from the airport. To book train travel visit Irish Rail.

Entry Criteria:

National Governing Bodies have been invited to send up to 8 players, plus 1 junior and 1 woman player to the World Matchplay. Expressions of interest for the World Matchplay have been sent out to the top 85 players in the World Billiards rankings initially. All former World Champions will also be eligible for entry to the event.

The World Matchplay Championship is limited to 50 players. The Irish Open is open to all and is limited to 60 players. Entry details for the Irish Open will be available shortly.

(Credit: SBI Ireland – SBI HQ/Academy in Carlow)

Officials:

Please see our International Call for Referees for details on officiating at the Irish Open and World Matchplay.

Prize Pool:

2023 World Matchplay Championship

Irish Open

Sponsors: