World Open Snooker 2026: Prize money, Monday order of play, how to watch, odds, when is John Higgins playing next?
The world’s finest snooker players are battling it out in China.
Taking place under a number of names over the years, with different venues and formats, the World Open snooker championship was originally established as the Professional Players Tournament in 1982.
Later known as the Grand Prix and the LG Cup, it became the World Open in 2010.
Since 2016 it has been held in the Chinese city of Yushan, with former champions including Mark Williams, Ali Carter, Ding Junhui and Judd Trump.
And last year saw Scotland’s John Higgins lift the trophy after defeating Joe O'Connor 10–6 in the final - becoming the second oldest winner of a ranking event in history (after Ray Reardon).
He’s back to defend his title in a field that also includes Ronnie O’Sullivan - returning after missing several events and looking for his first title of the season.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s tournament.
When is the 2026 World Open snooker?
The tournament takes place from March 16-22 at the Yushan Sport Centre in Yushan, China.
How much does the World Open 2026 champion win?
There's a prize pot of £825,000 up for grabs, broken down as follows:
- Last 64: £5,000
- Last 32: £9,000
- Last 16: £14,000
- Quarter-final: £22,000
- Semi-final: £33,000
- Runner-up: £75,000
- Winner: £175,000
- Highest break: £5,000
What is the order of play today at the World Open snooker?
Here’s what matches are still to be played today, Monday, March 16. Play starts at 11.30am.
Round 2
- Jack Lisowski v Cheung Ka Wai
- Anthony McGill v Stuart Bingham
- Elliot Slessor v Daniel Wells
- Matthew Stevens v Hossein Vafaei
- David Grace v Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
- Judd Trump v Mark Lloyd
Qualifying round 2
- Ricky Walden v Wang Xinbo
- Zhao Xintong v Han Fuyuan
How can I watch the World Open on television?
The World Open will be broadcast live on TNT Sport. The channel is available as part of packages with BT Sport, Sky Sports, Virgin Media Stream and Discovery Plus. You can also access TNT Sport via Discovery Plus on your Amazon Prime Video account or just watch on the Discovery Plus website. It costs from £30.99 per month.
What is the schedule for the 2026 World Open?
Here’s whan all the action will be happening:
- Monday, March 16: Round 1 (Best-of-nine frames)
- Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17: Round 2 (Best-of-nine frames)
- Wednesday, March 18: Round 3 (Best-of-nine frames)
- Thursday, March 19: Round 4 (Best-of-nine frames)
- Friday, March 20: Quarter-finals (Best-of-nine frames)
- Saturday, March 21: Semi-finals (Best-of-11 frames)
- Sunday, March 22: Final (Best-of-19 frames)
When is John Higgin’s playing his next match?
Scotland’s John Higgins will be playing his second round match against England’s Stan Moody on Tuesday, March 17, at 6am.
What other Scottish players are involved?
Anthony McGill also qualified for the tournament and will be playing Stuart Bingham at 11.30am today.
When is Ronnie O'Sullivan playing next?
Ronnie O'Sullivan will be playing his third round match against Matthew Selt on Wednesday, March 18. The time is still to be confirmed.
Who is favourite to win the World Open 2026?
Judd Trump is the 11/4 favourite, followed by Zhao Xintong (10/3), Ronnie OSullivan (7/1) and Kyren Wilson (8/1).
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