World Open Snooker: Top 4 Natural Talents Remain in Contention

Ronnie O’Sullivan produced a moment of snooker history in Yushan, China, on Tuesday, crafting a 153 break – the highest ever recorded in professional competition – during his quarter-final match against Ryan Day at the World Open. The break surpassed Jamie Burnett’s previous record of 148, achieved in a 2004 UK Championship qualifying round.

The 2026 World Open, officially the Likang Roasted Eel – Junma Cup World Open, commenced on March 16th at the Yushan Sport Centre and is scheduled to conclude on March 22nd. The tournament represents the 16th ranking event of the 2025–26 snooker season, positioned between the Welsh Open and the Tour Championship. A total prize fund of £825,000 is at stake, with the champion set to receive £175,000.

Qualifying rounds for the tournament were held from February 10th to 12th at the Barnsley Metrodome in England. The event is being broadcast in the United Kingdom and Ireland by TNT Sports and Discovery+, with Eurosport covering mainland Europe. Asian and African audiences will have access through local channels, while WST Play is providing coverage to all other territories.

Defending champion John Higgins, who defeated Joe O’Connor 10–6 in the 2025 final, was eliminated from the tournament in the last 64, losing 4–5 to Stan Moody. The match marked Higgins’s 2,000th professional career match.

The World Open originated as the Professional Players Tournament in 1982, with Ray Reardon winning the inaugural edition, defeating Jimmy White 10–5.