(Credit: SBI – 2023 World Matchplay Champion David Causier)
Macau Casino World Matchplay Championship & Sammin Engineering Irish Open – 12-19th April ’24
Our annual double-header in Carlow is fast approaching, with the Sammin Engineering Irish Open followed by the Macau Casino World Matchplay Championship taking place in April at the SBI Academy.
The Irish Open is a level 3 World Ranking Event. The World Matchplay Championship, played over the short format of multiple games of 100up, is a level 6 World Ranking Event. Spectators are welcome in the venue and streaming of the World Matchplay Championship will be available on our YouTube channel.
The state of the art SBI Academy and HQ opened in 2021. This will be our third year of staging events at this venue and it is one of the most popular on the circuit. We are extremely grateful for the support of Macau Casino, Sammin Engineering, Snooker and Billiards Ireland and The Talbot Hotel for their generous sponsorship and support.
The venue has four Star tables and four Rasson tables, all of which have TV style lighting and under table heating.
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 Peter Gilchrist the defending champion in the Irish Open. Please visit our YouTube playlist for footage from the 2023 World Matchplay Championship.
Venue Details:
SBI HQ,
Academy of Excellence Graiguecullen,
Co. Laois,
Carlow Town
A location map is included here.
Please note there are new car parking arrangements at the Academy, it is no longer possible to park directly outside. Please see here for more information.
(SBI Academy)
Dates:
The Irish Open will run from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th April. The Matchplay will follow on from this on the 15th and running until its climax on the 19th.
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) – €105 per night
- Single room (sole occupancy) – €95 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 WBL24, or call and speak to the reservations team.
(Credit: SBI – SBI HQ/Academy in Carlow)
Opening Ceremony:
The opening ceremony will take place on Sunday evening in the ballroom at The Talbot Hotel, sponsored by Macau Casino, starting at 8:00pm. Food will be provided along with entertainment from a local Irish dance school (Dargan School Of Irish Dance) and music once again from the brilliant Pat Coldrick and our own Aonghus McAnally. We would ask all players and officials to join us for what promises to be a fantastic evening of entertainment as we kick-off for the big event.
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.
Draws and Schedules:
The draw and schedule for the Sammin Engineering Irish Open is available here.
The draw and schedule for the Macau Casino World Matchplay is available here.
Prize Pool:
2024 Macau Casino World Matchplay Championship
| Winner | £5000 |
| Runner-up | £2500 |
| Semi-Final | £1250 |
| Quarter-Final | £625 |
| Last 16 | £250 |
| High Break | £1 per point |
2024 Sammin Engineering Irish Open
| Winner | £700 |
| Runner-up | £350 |
| Semi-Final | £175 |
| Quarter-Final | £90 |
| Last 16 | £55 |
| Last 24 (if req.) | £30 |
| High Break | £50 |
Sponsors:
