The to Players Championship snooker tournament is currently underway at the Telford International Centre in Telford, England, with Day 3 action being broadcast live on both YouTube via SportyTV and Channel 5 in the United Kingdom.
The tournament, officially titled the Sportsbet.io Players Championship, features the top 16 players on the one-year ranking list as of after the 2026 World Grand Prix. It represents the 14th ranking event of the – snooker season, positioned between the World Grand Prix and the upcoming Welsh Open. The Players Championship is also the second of three events comprising the Players Series, culminating with the Tour Championship.
The total prize fund for the event is £500,000, with the champion set to receive £150,000. The competition’s format is a ranking event, attracting significant attention from snooker fans globally. Broadcast coverage extends beyond the UK, with Eurosport handling mainland Europe, local channels broadcasting in Asia and Africa, and WST Play providing access in all other territories.
Notably, Kyren Wilson, the 2025 champion – having defeated Judd Trump 10–9 in last year’s final – did not qualify for the 2026 edition, finishing 22nd on the one-year ranking list. Adding an unexpected twist, Ronnie O’Sullivan, despite qualifying, opted not to participate. This absence elevated John Higgins, ranked 17th, into the tournament field.
The Players Championship originated as the final stage of the Players Tour Championship, a series of minor-ranking tournaments held across Europe and Asia from to . The current standalone format, established in , marks its tenth consecutive staging this year.
Currently, live coverage of Day 3 is available on SportyTV’s YouTube channel, as highlighted by a recent post on their Instagram and Facebook pages. Fans can follow the quarter-final matches as they unfold at the Telford International Centre. A YouTube live stream is available at https://www.youtube.com/live/dcLR95KgyBk.
The tournament’s significance lies in its position within the snooker calendar and its impact on the rankings. With the season progressing, each ranking event carries weight as players strive to secure favorable positions for upcoming tournaments, particularly the prestigious Tour Championship. The absence of both Wilson and O’Sullivan creates opportunities for other contenders to make a significant mark and potentially challenge for the title.
Higgins’ inclusion, due to O’Sullivan’s withdrawal, adds an intriguing dynamic to the competition. A veteran of the sport, Higgins brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. His presence will undoubtedly raise the level of competition and provide a compelling storyline as the tournament progresses.
The switch to Channel 5 for UK broadcast coverage represents a notable change for snooker fans in the region. This move expands the tournament’s reach and accessibility, potentially attracting a wider audience to the sport. The broader international coverage, through Eurosport, Asian and African channels, and WST Play, ensures that fans worldwide can follow the action.
As the quarter-finals get underway, the focus will be on which players can capitalize on their opportunities and advance towards the final. The £150,000 prize and the ranking points at stake will undoubtedly motivate the competitors to deliver their best performances. The tournament’s outcome will have implications for the remainder of the season and the players’ pursuit of championship glory.
The Players Championship continues to solidify its position as a key event in the professional snooker circuit, offering a platform for top players to showcase their skills and compete for a substantial prize. With live coverage readily available, fans have multiple avenues to follow the action and witness the drama unfold in Telford.
