Wednesday at the Tour Championship Snooker 2026: Prize money, Today's quarter-final schedule, how to watch free, where is Ronnie O'Sullivan - when is John Higgins playing?

It’s the third day of the tournament which sees the top 12 players in the world battle it out for the trophy and a big prize pot.

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.

John Higgins got off to a winning start yesterday, beating old rival Mark Williams.placeholder image
John Higgins got off to a winning start yesterday, beating old rival Mark Williams. | Getty Images

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 - and started his defence with a vintage 10-8 win over old rival Mark Williams in the first round.

He was joined in the quarter-finals, which start today, by Judd Trump, Barry Hawkins and Chris Wakelin - and they will now take on the top four players in the world in the quarter-finals .

Here’s everything you need to know about today’s play, Wednesday, April 1.

When is the Snooker Tour Championship 2026?

The tournament will be played at the Manchester Central from Monday, March 30 to Sunday, April 5.

Who is playing today at the Tour Championship 2026?

Here’s the lineup for Wednesday, April 1. All are first quarter-final matches.

1pm

  • Neil Robertson v Barry Hawkins (first session)
  • Shaun Murphy v Judd Trump (first session)

7pm

  • Shaun Murphy v Judd Trump (second session)
  • Zhao Xintong v Chris Wakelin (first session)

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?

  1. Neil Robertson
  2. Zhao Xintong
  3. Mark Selby
  4. Shaun Murphy
  5. Judd Trump
  6. Mark Williams
  7. Wu Yize
  8. Barry Hawkins
  9. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
  10. Chris Wakelin
  11. John Higgin
  12. 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 recently, 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 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 play his quarter-final against Mark Selby on Thursday, April 2, over two sessions starting at 1pm and 7pm.

How can I watch the Tour Championship 2026?

Full coverage of the tournament will be broadcast subscription-free on Channel 5 in the UK.

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