Telford, UK – The Players Championship Snooker 2026 is underway, with several top players already securing their spots in the quarter-finals. The tournament, featuring the top 16 players from the one-year rankings, is offering a substantial £500,000 prize pot, making it one of the most lucrative events on the World Snooker Tour.
First Round Upsets and Dominant Performances
The first round, completed on Tuesday, February 17th and Wednesday, February 18th, saw a mix of expected victories and surprising results. John Higgins delivered a commanding performance, defeating Neil Robertson 6-1. Robertson, ranked number one, was widely expected to advance, but Higgins proved too strong. Mark Allen also secured a decisive win, overcoming Wu Yize 6-3. Chris Wakelin edged past Xiao Guodong with a 6-2 victory, while Mark Selby demonstrated his consistency, defeating Jack Lisowski 6-3.
Judd Trump showcased his prowess with a dominant 6-0 win over Zhou Yuelong. Shaun Murphy also advanced comfortably, defeating Zhang Anda 6-1. A particularly tight match saw Zhao Xintong narrowly defeat Elliot Slessor 6-5, showcasing his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Quarter-Finals Set: Key Matchups
The quarter-final lineup is now set, with matches scheduled for Thursday, February 19th and Friday, February 20th. John Higgins will face Chris Wakelin in the first quarter-final match on Thursday, beginning at 13:00. Later that evening, Judd Trump will take on Mark Williams at 19:00.
Friday’s matches will see Shaun Murphy battling Zhao Xintong at 13:00, followed by a clash between Mark Allen and Mark Selby at 19:00. These matches promise intense competition as players vie for a place in the semi-finals.
Zhao Xintong’s Dramatic Victory
Zhao Xintong’s first-round victory against Elliot Slessor was a particularly noteworthy encounter. The match went down to the wire, with Xintong ultimately prevailing 6-5 after a dramatic finish. Reports indicate Xintong executed a four-shot sequence to secure the win, demonstrating his skill and composure in a high-pressure situation. This victory keeps his hopes alive for a potential sixth title.
Chinese Players’ Performance
While Zhao Xintong remains in contention, the tournament has seen a relatively early exit for several other Chinese players. Zhang Anda suffered a 6-1 defeat against Shaun Murphy, halting his progress in the competition. The early exits of other Chinese competitors leave Zhao Xintong as the sole remaining representative from China in the quarter-finals.
Defending Champion Awaits
Kyren Wilson, the defending champion, is not participating in this year’s tournament. Last year, Wilson defeated Judd Trump in a thrilling final that concluded with a score of 10-9. Trump will be looking to avenge that loss and claim the title for himself this year, having already secured a comfortable victory in the first round and progressing to the quarter-finals.
Tournament Schedule and Prize Money
The Players Championship continues through Sunday, February 22nd, with the semi-finals scheduled for Saturday, February 21st, and the final taking place on Sunday. The quarter-finals will be best-of-11 frames, the semi-finals will also be best-of-11 frames, and the final will be a best-of-19 frames showdown. The substantial £500,000 prize fund adds significant weight to the competition, motivating players to perform at their best.
As the tournament progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with each match carrying significant implications for the players’ rankings and championship aspirations. The quarter-final matchups promise exciting snooker action, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the battles between some of the world’s top players.
