Upcoming World Snooker China Open reveals star-studded lineup

The 2026 World Snooker Tour China Open is set to take place between August 8 and 16 at the Binhe Sports Center in Taiyuan, Shanxi province.

The China Open makes its comeback to the global professional snooker circuit after a six-year absence. The ranking points available at this China Open match those of the UK Championship — one of snooker's prestigious Triple Crown events.

All-time greats Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams headline the 32-player main draw, which was announced on Wednesday. A 12-strong Chinese contingent has set a record for domestic participants at the China Open.

The field is stacked with elite mid-generation players. Defending champion Neil Robertson boasts pinpoint long-potting, and Mark Selby excels at fighting back from behind, while Judd Trump possesses outstanding break-building capabilities. Mark Allen, Shaun Murphy, Kyren Wilson, Barry Hawkins, and Chris Wakelin have also claimed seeded spots.

The Chinese lineup covers three generations of players. Ding Junhui, winner of multiple ranking events, is joined by sharp attacking player Zhao Xintong, World Champion Wu Yize in fine form, dynamic prospect Si Jiahui, and well-rounded Xiao Guodong. All five have earned direct entry to the main draw as seeded players.

Zhang Anda is renowned for his solid safety play. Zhou Yuelong and Pang Junxu are seasoned competitors on the World Snooker Tour. Chang Bingyu, Liu Hongyu, Jiang Jun, and Yao Pengcheng delivered steady performances in qualifiers. These young rising talents will take on the world's elite in the main draw.

Ticket sales began on July 20. The premier ranking event is sanctioned by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

Li Jialu contributed to this story.