The 2026 Halo World Snooker Championship - the 50th consecutive year the event has been held at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre - is just few days away.
First held in 1927, it is the longest-running and most prestigious tournament in professional snooker, with a prize fund of £2,395,000, of which the winner will receive £500,000.
Last year saw Zhao Xingtong defeat Mark Williams 18–12 in the final to win his second Triple Crown title - becoming the sport's first World Champion from Asia and the first player to win a ranking event while competing as an amateur (following a 20 month ban from the game as part of a match fixing investigation).
He will be back to defend his title and is one of the favourites this year - along with these other 10 players who the bookies reckon have a chance at lifting the famous trophy.
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9. John Higgins - 20/1
Scotland's John Higgins has been dialing back the years of late, reaching plenty of finals and semi-finals but just coming short when it comes to wins. That's the only reason the Scot has odds as long as 20/1 to win his fifth world title. | Getty Images
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10. Mark Allen - 25/1
Northern Irish player Mark Allen just needs a world championship to complete the triple crown - he won the Masters in 2018 and the UK Championship in 2022. He's an 25/1 shot to complete the set. | Getty Images
11. Mark Williams - 33/1
Another player still at the top of his game despite advancing years, Mark Williams is a three time world champion who is priced at 33/1 to win a fourth this year. | Getty Images