Tour Championship Snooker 2026: Prize money, format, schedule, how to watch John Higgins defend title - is Ronnie O'Sullivan playing?
It’s the last tournament until the big one - the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre.
First held in Manchester in 2019, the Tour Championship is the penultimate tournament in the snooker season and the third of the Players Series which also includes the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Involving the top 12 ranked players as at the end of the World Open, last year saw Scotland’s John Higgins defeat Mark Selby 10-8 in the final to take the title.
He’s back this year along with another 11 of the world’s best players.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is the Snooker Tour Championship 2026?
The tournament will be played at the Manchester Central from Monday, March 30 to Sunday, April 5.
What is the prize money at the Tour Championship 2026?
There is a total prize pot to £500,000 broken down as follows:
- Winner: £150,000
- Runner-up: £60,000
- Semi-final: £40,000
- Quarter-final: £30,000
- Last 12: £20,000
- Highest break: £10,000
Who has qualified for the Tour Championship 2026?
Here are the 12 highest ranked players who have chosen to take part in the tournament?
- Neil Robertson
- Zhao Xintong
- Mark Selby
- Shaun Murphy
- Judd Trump
- Mark Williams
- Wu Yize
- Barry Hawkins
- Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
- Chris Wakelin
- John Higgin
- Mark Allen
Why is Ronnie O’Sullivan not playing in the Tour Championship 2026?
While Ronnie O’Sullivan qualified courtesy of being ninth in the rankings but, despite his heroics reaching the final of the World Open and recording the highest break in snooker history last week, he has chosen not to take part.
What is the format of the Tour Championship 2026?
The top four ranked players receive a bye straight into the quarter finals where they meet the winners of the first round matches between those ranked 5-12.
All matches in the tournament are the best of 19 frames (first to 10).
What is the first round draw for the Tour Championship 2026?
Here’s who is playing in the first round on Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31 - and who the winners will play in the quarter-finals:
- Barry Hawkins v Thepchaiya Un-Nooh (winner plays Neil Robertson)
- Judd Trump v Mark Allen (winner plays Shaun Murphy)
- Wu Yize v Chris Wakelin (winner plays Mark Selby)
- Mark Williams v John Higgins (winner plays Zhao Xintong)
What is the schedule for the Tour Championship 2026?
Here’s when the action will be taking place:
- March 30-31: First round matches
- April 1-April 2: Quarter-finals
- April 3-April 4: Semi-finals
- April 5: Final
When is John Higgins playing his first match at the Tour Championship 2026?
Scotland’s John Higgins will begin his defence against old rival Mark Higgins on Tuesday, March 31, with the match starting at 1pm.
How can I watch the Tour Championship 2026?
Full coverage of the tournament will be broadcast subscription-free on Channel 5 in the UK.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
-
--
---
----
-----
- -- --- -
-- -- ---
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.