Saturday at the World Snooker Championship 2026: Day one order of play, prize money, format and how to watch - when is Ronnie O'Sullivan playing?
It’s day one at the biggest snooker tournament of the year.
First held in 1927, the World Snooker Championship is the longest-running and most prestigious tournament in professional snooker, with a prize fund of nearly £2.4 million.
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Last year saw Zhao Xintong crowned the king of the snooker world after defeating three-time champion Mark Williams 18–12 in the final.
This year’s tournament gets underway on Saturday, April 18.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening.
When is the 2026 World Snooker Championship?
The tournament itself takes place from Saturday, April 18, to Monday, May 4 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.
What’s the prize money at the 2026 World Snooker Championship?
A total of £2.395 million in money is up for grabs at the World Snooker Championship, with the money allocated as follows:
- Winner: £500,000
- Runner-up: £200,000
- Semi-finalists: £100,000
- Quarter-finalists: £50,000
- Last 16: £30,000
- Last 32: £20,000
- Last 48: £15,000
- Last 80: £10,000
- Last 112: £5,000
- Highest break: £15,000
What trophy is presented at the World Snooker Championships?
The instantly-recognisable World Championship trophy dates back to 1926 when it was bought by pioneering player Joe David for just £19.
It’s made of silver, weighs 46.5 troy ounces, and is topped by the figure of a Greek shepherdess - not a snooker player, as some people presume.
Who ia playing on the first day of play at the World Snooker Championship?
Here’s who’s playing on Saturday, April 18. All are first round matches.
10am
- Zhao Xintong (1) v Liam Highfield
- Mark Allen (14) v Zhang Anda
2.30pm
- Xiao Guodong (9) v Zhou Yuelong
- Mark Williams (6) v Antoni Kowalski
7pm
- Zhao Xintong (1) v Liam Highfield
- Barry Hawkins (11) v Matthew Stevens
When is John Higgins playing his first round match?
Scotland’s John Higgins will start his campaign against Ali Carter at 2.30pm on Sunday, April 18.
When is Ronnie O’Sullivan playing his first round match?
Meanwhile Ronnie O’Sullivan will start his bid to win a record eighth title against He Guoqiang at 2.30pm on Tuesday, April 21.
What is the format of the Snooker World Championship?
All first-round matches are the best of 19 frames (first to 10 frames) played over two session.
Second-round matches and the quarter-finals are the best of 25 frames (first to 13 frames), played over three sessions.
The semi-finals are the best of 33 frames (first to 17 frames) played over four sessions.
The final is the best of 35 frames (first to 18 frames) played over four sessions.
Who is favourite to win the World Snooker Championship 2026?
Zhao Xintong is the bookies’ favourite, with odds of 11/4, followed by Judd Trump (9/2), Ronnie O’Sullivan (13/2), Mark Selby (13/2), and Kyren Wilson (11/1). Sc otland’s John Higgins is a 20/1 outsider.
How can I watch the World Snooker Championship 2026?
As ever, full coverage of all matches will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC Two, and streamed on the Red Button and the BBC iPlayer,
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