Mark Selby Defends Welsh Open Title Amidst Early Upsets
Llandudno, Wales – The 2026 BetVictor Welsh Open is underway at Venue Cymru, with defending champion Mark Selby facing a challenging road to retain his title after a surprising first-round exit. The tournament, running from February 23rd to March 1st, features the world’s top snooker players competing for a total prize fund of £550,400, with £100,000 awarded to the winner.
Selby Stunned in First Round
In a significant upset, Mark Selby, the two-time Welsh Open champion (previously winning in 2008 and 2025), was defeated 4-3 by China’s Jiang Jun on Monday, February 23rd. Despite taking a commanding 3-1 lead with breaks of 123 and 137, Selby succumbed to a comeback from Jiang, who secured three consecutive frames to claim victory. This marks the third time in five years that Selby has been eliminated in the first round of the Welsh Open. Source, Source
Tournament Schedule
The 2026 Welsh Open follows a structured schedule:
- Round 1: Monday, February 23rd & Tuesday, February 24th
- Round 2: Wednesday, February 25th
- Round 3: Thursday, February 26th
- Quarterfinals: Friday, February 27th
- Semifinals: Saturday, February 28th
- Final: Sunday, March 1st
Welsh Players Shine on Opening Day
The first day of the tournament saw strong performances from Welsh players. Jak Jones defeated Liam Highfield 4-1, Dylan Emery overcame Lei Peifan in a deciding frame and Mark Williams, the 1999 champion, beat Michael Holt 4-2, advancing to face Martin O’Donnell. O’Donnell previously upset 25th seed Tom Ford 4-2. Source
Other Notable First-Round Results
England’s Robbie Williams defeated world number 16 Si Jiahui 4-2 and will face Stephen Maguire, last year’s runner-up, in the second round. Maguire secured a come-from-behind win over Ricky Walden. Barry Hawkins as well progressed, winning 4-3 against David Lilley with a 108 break in the deciding frame. Source
Where to Watch
Snooker fans can follow the Welsh Open through Eurosport. Bet365 is broadcasting all matches live via its streaming service, accessible to customers with funded accounts or those who have placed a bet within the last 24 hours.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Jiang Jun can continue his impressive run and if any other upsets are in store. The Welsh Open continues to deliver thrilling snooker action, showcasing both established stars and rising talents.