World Open Snooker 2026: Last 16 Set as Top Players Advance

The 2026 World Open Snooker tournament in Yushan, China, has reached the last 16 stage, with several top contenders still in the running for the £175,000 top prize. The tournament, taking place from March 16th to March 22nd, features a compelling mix of established champions and rising stars TNT Sports.

Top Players Dominate the Draw

World number one Judd Trump and reigning world champion Zhao Xintong are headlining the bottom half of the draw. Trump, a two-time World Open champion, will face Robbie Williams in his next match, while Zhao is set to compete against Gary Wilson TNT Sports. Both players have demonstrated strong form in 2026, having collectively won three of the four ranking events held so far, potentially setting up a semi-final clash.

Other notable players in the bottom half include Zhang Anda, facing Hossein Vafaei, and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, who will compete against veteran Marco Fu.

Tour Championship Implications

For Zhang Anda, a strong run in the tournament, reaching the final, could significantly improve his chances of qualifying for the upcoming Tour Championship, reserved for the top 12 players on the one-year ranking list. Ronnie O’Sullivan has already secured his spot in the Tour Championship but has chosen not to participate Totally Snookered.

Xiao Guodong currently holds the final qualifying position for the Tour Championship, but his place is precarious following a loss to Zhang Anda in the last 32.

Key Matchups in the Top Half

In the top half of the draw, Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Shaun Murphy in what is considered the most anticipated match of the last 16. O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, is seeking his first ranking title in over two years New Kerala. Kyren Wilson and Mark Allen will also be in action, taking on Chinese players Wu Yize and Zhou Yuelong, respectively.

Zhou Yuelong, like Zhang Anda, has the opportunity to secure a Tour Championship place by reaching the final. Wilson, however, would demand to win the tournament to qualify.

Zizins Makes History

Artemijs Zizins will compete against Ryan Day, marking the first time Zizins has reached the last 16 of a ranking event. The £14,000 he has already earned could be crucial for maintaining his tour card, as he currently ranks outside the top 64 and relies on the one-year standings for tour survival Totally Snookered.

2026 World Open – Round of 16 Schedule

• Thursday, 6:00 GMT: Ryan Day vs Artemijs Zizins
• Thursday, 6:00 GMT: Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Shaun Murphy
• Thursday, 6:00 GMT: Zhou Yuelong vs Mark Allen
• Thursday, 6:00 GMT: Wu Yize vs Kyren Wilson
• Thursday, 11:30 GMT: Judd Trump vs Robbie Williams
• Thursday, 11:30 GMT: Zhang Anda vs Hossein Vafaei
• Thursday, 11:30 GMT: Thepchaiya Un-Nooh vs Marco Fu
• Thursday, 11:30 GMT: Gary Wilson vs Zhao Xintong