19.7.08

MAGUIRE SET FOR O'BRIEN REMATCH

Stephen Maguire faces a rematch with Fergal O’Brien, who he beat in the final of last year’s Northern Ireland Trophy, in his opening match of this year’s Belfast event.

Maguire, whose preparation for the tournament has been affected by a suspected cracked rib, won the title at the Waterfront Hall in 2007 with a 9-5 defeat of O’Brien and will face him again if the Dubliner comes through his first round match.

Other interesting clashes in the last 32 could include Ronnie O’Sullivan v Ken Doherty and Shaun Murphy v Mark Williams.

Doherty and Williams each dropped out of the elite top 16 last season and so have to play in the round of the last 48.

Jimmy White starts out in the very first qualifying round on August 15 against Thailand’s Atthasit Mahitthi.

You can view the full draw here.

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