World Open Snooker 2026 tournament in Yushan China – professional snooker player taking a shot on a green snooker table with arena lights, event schedule, top players, prize money and live streaming information.

Learn everything about World Open Snooker 2026 in Yushan China, including full schedule, top players, prize money breakdown, venue details, live streaming options, and latest tournament updates.

World Open Snooker 2026 Overview

The World Open Snooker 2026 is one of the most anticipated tournaments in the professional snooker calendar. The event attracts top players from around the world who compete for ranking points, prestige, and a significant prize fund.

This tournament is part of the World Snooker Tour and is followed by millions of fans who enjoy high-level competition and thrilling matches between the best players in the sport.

Tournament Location and What to Expect

The World Open Snooker 2026 will take place in Yushan, Jiangxi Province, China, a city that has become well known for hosting major cue sports events. With modern facilities and strong support for snooker, Yushan has developed a reputation as an important destination for international tournaments.

In this complete guide, you will find everything about the tournament including the schedule, venue, players, prize money, match format, live streaming options, and daily results, making this page a central resource for fans.

World Open Snooker 2026 Overview

The World Open is a professional ranking snooker tournament that is part of the World Snooker Tour. The event has been held in several locations throughout its history but has recently become strongly associated with the city of Yushan in China.

The 2026 edition of the tournament is officially known as the Likang Roasted Eel – Junma Cup World Open, reflecting the sponsorship associated with the event.

Key Facts About the Tournament

DetailInformation
TournamentWorld Open Snooker 2026
TourWorld Snooker Tour
Season2025–26
LocationYushan, China
VenueYushan Sport Centre
FormatRanking Event

The tournament features a knockout format, meaning that players must win each match in order to advance to the next round.

Each year the event attracts some of the biggest names in snooker, making it an important competition in the ranking calendar.

Read the Detailed Overview of World Open Snooker

World Open Snooker 2026 Dates

The main tournament in China will run for one week in March 2026. During this time, players compete in multiple rounds until a champion is crowned.

Tournament Duration

EventDate
Tournament Start16 March 2026
Tournament End22 March 2026
Duration7 Days

Matches are scheduled every day during this period, creating a full week of snooker action for fans.

Qualifying Matches

Before the main tournament begins in China, qualifying matches are played in England to determine which players will reach the final draw.

StageLocationDates
QualifiersBarnsley Metrodome, England10–12 February 2026

These qualifiers allow lower-ranked players to compete for a place in the main tournament.

Read the Full Tournament Dates Guide

Venue & Location in Yushan China

The Yushan Sport Centre serves as the main venue for the tournament. Located in Yushan County in Jiangxi Province, the arena is part of a larger complex dedicated to billiards and cue sports.

Yushan has gained international recognition as a center for professional snooker events. The city has invested heavily in facilities that support both players and spectators.

Venue Details

DetailInformation
VenueYushan Sport Centre
CityYushan
ProvinceJiangxi
CountryChina
Seating CapacityAround 4,000

Why Yushan Is Important for Snooker

Yushan is often referred to as a “billiards city” because of its strong focus on cue sports. The city regularly hosts professional tournaments and attracts international players and fans.

The venue includes several features that make it ideal for major sporting events:

  • Professional snooker tables and lighting systems
  • Large spectator seating areas
  • High-quality broadcast production facilities
  • Practice rooms for players

Read More About the Venue

World Open Snooker 2026 Schedule

The tournament follows a progressive schedule in which players compete through multiple rounds until the final match determines the champion.

Full Tournament Schedule

DateStage
March 16Round of 64
March 17Round of 64 Continues
March 18Round of 32
March 19Round of 16
March 20Quarter-finals
March 21Semi-finals
March 22Final

Each day of the tournament features several matches played across different sessions.

As the tournament progresses, the number of players decreases until only two players remain to compete in the final.

Read the Detailed Schedule

Players to Watch in World Open Snooker 2026

One of the main attractions of the tournament is the presence of world-class snooker players. Many of the sport’s most famous stars are expected to participate in the competition.

Top Players Expected in the Tournament

  • Ronnie O’Sullivan
  • Judd Trump
  • Mark Selby
  • John Higgins
  • Shaun Murphy
  • Mark Williams
  • Kyren Wilson
  • Zhao Xintong

These players have won multiple ranking events and are known for their skill, consistency, and competitive performances.

Rising Players

In addition to established stars, several rising talents are also expected to compete in the tournament. These players often bring fresh energy and exciting performances to the competition.

Read the Full Players List

Tournament Draw & Match Format

The World Open Snooker 2026 uses a single-elimination format. This means that players must win each match to continue in the tournament.

Tournament Structure

  • Round of 64
  • Round of 32
  • Round of 16
  • Quarter-finals
  • Semi-finals
  • Final

Each stage becomes progressively more competitive as the tournament advances.

Match Format

StageMatch Format
Early RoundsBest of 9 Frames
Semi-finalsBest of 11 Frames
FinalBest of 19 Frames

This structure ensures that the best players progress toward the final stages of the competition.

Read the Full Match Format Guide

Prize Money Breakdown

Professional snooker tournaments offer prize money for players depending on how far they progress in the competition.

Prize Distribution

PositionPrize Money
Winner£175,000
Runner-up£75,000
Semi-finalists£33,000
Quarter-finalists£22,000

Total Prize Fund

The total prize fund for the tournament is £825,000.

This prize fund attracts top players because ranking points and earnings are both important for professional careers.

Read Detailed Prize Money Guide

Live Streaming & TV Channels

Fans around the world will be able to watch the tournament through several official broadcasters.

Official Broadcast Options

These platforms will provide live coverage of matches, highlights, and expert analysis throughout the tournament.

Read the Full Live Streaming Guide

Defending Champion

The defending champion of the tournament is John Higgins, one of the most successful players in snooker history.

Higgins won the previous edition of the tournament and will attempt to defend his title in the 2026 competition.

He is widely respected for his tactical gameplay and consistent performances in major tournaments.

Read the Defending Champion Story

Results & Latest Updates

Throughout the tournament, match results will be updated regularly so fans can follow the progress of their favorite players.

Key updates include:

  • Daily match results
  • Quarter-final qualifiers
  • Semi-final matchups
  • Final result and champion announcement

Fans can check this section to stay informed about the latest developments in the tournament.

Check Latest Results

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the World Open Snooker 2026 start?

The tournament begins on 16 March 2026.

When is the final match of the tournament?

The final match will be played on 22 March 2026.

Where is the tournament being held?

The tournament is being held at the Yushan Sport Centre in Yushan, China.

What is the total prize fund for the event?

The total prize fund for the tournament is £825,000.

How much prize money does the winner receive?

The winner of the tournament receives £175,000.

Where can fans watch the matches live?

Fans can watch the tournament live on TNT Sports, Eurosport, Discovery+, and WST Play.

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