Jump to content

2026 World Snooker Championship

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2026 Halo World Snooker Championship
Promotional poster for the championship
Tournament information
Dates18 April – 4 May 2026 (2026-04-18 – 2026-05-04)
VenueCrucible Theatre
CitySheffield
CountryEngland
OrganisationWorld Snooker Tour
FormatRanking event
Total prize fund£2,395,000
Winner's share£500,000
Highest break Chang Bingyu (CHN) (147)
Final
Champion Wu Yize (CHN)
Runner-up Shaun Murphy (ENG)
Score18–17
← 2025
2027 →

The 2026 World Snooker Championship (officially the 2026 Halo World Snooker Championship) was a professional snooker tournament that took place from 18 April to 4 May 2026 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Staged at the Crucible for the 50th consecutive year, the tournament was the 18th and final ranking event of the 2025–‍26 snooker season. Organised by the World Snooker Tour, it was broadcast domestically by BBC Sport, in Europe by Eurosport, and globally by other broadcasters. The winner received £500,000 from a total prize fund of £2,395,000.

The top 16 players from the snooker world rankings were seeded through to the main stage at the Crucible. Qualifying took place from 6 to 15 April at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, featuring 128 professional and invited amateur competitors, 16 of whom joined the seeds at the Crucible. A record number of players from mainland China, 11 in total, reached the last 32. Crucible debutants at the event were He Guoqiang, Antoni Kowalski, Stan Moody, and Liam Pullen, with Kowalski the first Polish player to reach the tournament's main stage. A record-equalling 15 of the 16 seeds advanced to the second round, which had happened only twice before, in 1983 and 1993.

Zhao Xintong was the defending champion, having defeated Mark Williams 18–12 in the 2025 final to win his maiden world title, but he lost 10–13 to Shaun Murphy in the quarter-finals. The 14th frame of the semi-final match between Mark Allen and Wu Yize was the longest ever played at the Crucible, at 100 minutes and 21 seconds. Wu defeated Allen 17–16 after Allen missed a match-ball black off its spot in the penultimate frame. Wu went on to defeat Murphy 18–17 in the final to win his first world title and second ranking title. He became the second World Champion from Asia, following Zhao, and the second-youngest champion, after Stephen Hendry. He was the fourth consecutive first-time World Champion, following Luca Brecel in 2023, Kyren Wilson in 2024, and Zhao in 2025, setting a new record for the longest sequence of maiden winners. The final was the fourth in the tournament's history to go to a deciding frame, following the 1985, 1994, and 2002 finals.

A record 258 century breaks were made at the tournament overall, of which a record 177 were made in qualifying—surpassing the 143 achieved during the previous year's qualifiers—and 81 at the main stage. The highest break of the tournament was a maximum break by Chang Bingyu, the second of his professional career, in his third-round qualifying match against Brecel. It brought the total number of maximums in the 2025–‍26 season to 24, a new record, surpassing the 15 maximums made in the previous season. Allen made the highest break of the main stage, a 145 in his semi-final against Wu.

Background

[edit]
The Crucible Theatre from outside
For the 50th consecutive year, the main stage of the tournament was held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.

The inaugural 1927 World Snooker Championship, then known as the Professional Championship of Snooker, took place at various venues in England between November 1926 and May 1927. Joe Davis won the final, held at Camkin's Hall in Birmingham from 9 to 12 May 1927, and went on to win all of the first 15 stagings of the tournament before retiring undefeated after the 1946 edition (no tournaments were held from 1941 to 1945 because of World War II).[1][2][3] The tournament went into abeyance after only two players contested the 1952 edition, due to a dispute between the Professional Billiards Players' Association (PBPA) and the Billiards Association and Control Council (BACC). The PBPA established an alternative tournament, the World Professional Match-play Championship, of which the six editions held between 1952 and 1957 are retroactively regarded as legitimate continuations of the World Snooker Championship. However, due to waning public interest in snooker during the post-war era, that tournament was also discontinued, and the world title was uncontested between 1958 and 1963.[1][2]

Professional player Rex Williams was instrumental in reviving the World Snooker Championship on a challenge basis in 1964. John Pulman, winner of the 1957 World Professional Match-play Championship, defended the world title across seven challenge matches between 1964 and 1968. The World Snooker Championship reverted to an annual knockout tournament for the 1969 edition, which marked the beginning of the championship's "modern era".[4][5] The 1977 edition was the first staged at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where it has remained since.[6][7] As of the 2025 edition, the most successful players in the modern era were Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan, each having won the title seven times.[8] Hendry was the tournament's youngest winner, having captured his first title at the 1990 event, aged 21 years and 106 days.[9] O'Sullivan was the oldest winner, having won his seventh title at the 2022 event, aged 46 years and 148 days.[10] O'Sullivan, who made his 33rd consecutive appearance at the 2025 event, had featured at the Crucible more times than any other player.[11]

Overview

[edit]

The 2026 edition of the tournament—the 58th successive year that the World Snooker Championship was contested through the modern knockout format—took place from 18 April to 4 May at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, the 50th consecutive year that the World Championship was staged at the venue.[12][13] Organised by the World Snooker Tour and sponsored for the second time by technology company Halo Service Solutions, the tournament was the 18th and final ranking event of the 2025–‍26 snooker season, following the 2026 Tour Championship. It was the third and final Triple Crown event of the season, following the 2025 UK Championship and the 2026 Masters.[14][15][16] The defending champion was Zhao Xintong, who had defeated Mark Williams 18–12 in the 2025 final to win his first world title.[17] Zhao was the 21st player to experience the so-called "Crucible curse", referring to the fact that no first-time champion had retained the title since the tournament moved to the Crucible in 1977.[18]

Format

[edit]

The top 16 players in the snooker world rankings, as they stood after the 2026 Tour Championship, were seeded through to the main stage at the Crucible Theatre.[19] Qualifying took place from 6 to 15 April at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, featuring 128 players, 16 of whom also reached the main stage.[20] The qualifiers were held over four rounds, with players ranked 49 to 80 seeded through to the second qualifying round, and players ranked 17 to 48 seeded through to the third qualifying round. All qualifying matches were played as the best of 19 frames, held over two sessions.[21]

The first-round draw, during which the 16 successful qualifiers were drawn at random against the top 16 seeds, took place on 16 April, broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website.[22] First-round matches were played as the best of 19 frames, held over two sessions. Second-round and quarter-final matches were played as the best of 25 frames, held over three sessions. The semi-final matches were played as the best of 33 frames, held over four sessions. The final was the best of 35 frames, also held over four sessions.[23][24]

Broadcasters

[edit]

The qualifying rounds were broadcast by Discovery+ in Germany, Italy, and Austria; by HBO Max in the United Kingdom, and other European, North African, and Middle Eastern territories; by Huya, Migu [zh], the CBSA-WPBSA Academy WeChat Channel, and CBSA-WPBSA Academy Douyin in mainland China; and by WST Play in all other territories. Some sessions were additionally broadcast unexpectedly on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with Ireland benefitting due to a lack of streaming coverage. The final round of qualifying, billed as "Judgement Day", was broadcast for free on WST Play and YouTube on 14 and 15 April.[25]

The main stage was broadcast by BBC Sport, TNT Sports, and HBO Max in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was broadcast by Eurosport in mainland Europe; by Discovery+ in Germany, Italy, and Austria; and by HBO Max in other European, North African, and Middle Eastern territories. It was broadcast in mainland China by the same broadcasters as the qualifying rounds. It was broadcast by Now TV in Hong Kong; by Astro SuperSport in Malaysia and Brunei; by TrueVisions in Thailand; by VTVCab in Vietnam; by Sportcast in Taiwan; by TAP Sports in the Philippines; by Sportstars/Vision+ in Indonesia; by N Sports in Mongolia; by Sky Sport in New Zealand; and by WST Play in all other territories.[26]

Prize fund

[edit]

The winner of the event received £500,000 from a total prize fund of £2,395,000. The breakdown of prize money is shown below:[6]

  • Winner: £500,000
  • Runner-up: £200,000
  • Semi-finalists: £100,000
  • Quarter-finalists: £50,000
  • Last 16: £30,000
  • Last 32: £20,000
  • Last 48: £15,000
  • Last 80: £10,000
  • Last 112: £5,000
  • Highest break (qualifying stage included): £15,000
  • Total: £2,395,000

In addition to the highest break prize, bonuses of £40,000 and £10,000 were offered for maximum breaks made at the main stage and in the qualifying rounds respectively.[27] Any player who made two maximums across the season's Triple Crown events and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters also won a bonus of £147,000.[28] Initially, the bonus could be claimed up to three times in a single season. O'Sullivan won it by making two maximums at the 2025 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, and Chang Bingyu won it by making maximums in the 2025 UK Championship qualifiers and the World Championship qualifiers. Before the main stage of the World Championship, eligibility was extended so that the bonus could be won three further times, or up to five times in the season.[29]

Summary

[edit]

Qualifying rounds

[edit]

First qualifying round

[edit]
Photo of Szubarcyk
Michał Szubarczyk (pictured at the event) became the youngest player to win a World Championship match, aged 15 years and 84 days.

The first qualifying round featured players ranked 81 to 112 against players seeded 113 to 144, including selected amateurs.[30] At the age of 15 years and 84 days, Michał Szubarczyk defeated Ng On-yee 10–7 to become the youngest player to win a World Championship match, surpassing Liam Davies, who had been 15 years and 277 days old when he achieved the feat at the 2022 edition.[31] Veteran player Jimmy White, aged 63, played in his 46th World Championship campaign, having last reached the Crucible at the 2006 edition.[32] He led Gao Yang 5–1, but the match went to a deciding frame, which Gao won on the colours. The reigning World Women's Champion Bai Yulu made a century break of 101 as she defeated amateur player Daniel Womersley 10–7. She became the first female player to win a World Championship qualifying match since Reanne Evans defeated Robin Hull at the 2017 edition.[30]

Amateur player Patrick Whelan won five of the last six frames to secure a 10–5 victory over Ken Doherty, winner of the 1997 edition.[33] Liam Pullen trailed amateur player Alfie Burden 1–5 but recovered to force a deciding frame, which he won on the last blue.[33] Marco Fu produced centuries of 100, 105, and 137 as he defeated Mink Nutcharut 10–1.[34] Lan Yuhao, aged 17, made three centuries and seven other breaks over 50 during his 10–5 victory over Chatchapong Nasa.[35] Lan attempted a maximum break in the last frame of the match but missed the 15th red. Jamie Clarke made his highest break in professional competition, a 138, in his 10–5 win over Haydon Pinhey.[36] Farakh Ajaib, Cheung Ka Wei, Doherty, Kreishh Gurbaxani, Huang Jiahao, Jonas Luz, Mitchell Mann, Mink Nutcharut, Pinhey, Haris Tahir, and Hatem Yassen all lost their professional tour cards after their first-round defeats.[37]

Second qualifying round

[edit]
Bai Yulu (pictured at the event) became the first woman to make multiple century breaks in a World Championship qualifying campaign.

The second qualifying round featured the winners of the first qualifying round against players ranked 49 to 80.[30] Bai lost 4–10 to Michael Holt but made her second century of the tournament, a 108, becoming the first woman to make multiple centuries in a World Championship qualifying campaign.[35] Szubarczyk defeated Sanderson Lam 10–8, and another Polish player, Antoni Kowalski, advanced with a 10–1 victory over Connor Benzey.[38] Amateur player Wang Xinbo made a 143 break as he defeated Iulian Boiko 10–4. Robert Milkins, aged 50, who had played on the professional tour continuously since 1995, lost his tour card after his 3–10 defeat by Whelan.[39] Mark Davis, aged 53, a professional since 1991, also lost his tour card after his 6–10 defeat by Gao.[40] Oliver Sykes, who had secured a professional tour card as runner-up at the EBSA European Snooker Championship, made the 40th 146 break in the history of professional snooker during his 10–8 win over Lyu Haotian. Jamie Clarke lost the first five frames of his match against Ben Mertens and then withdrew due to illness.[41]

Sam Craigie forfeited the fifth frame of his match against amateur player Umut Dikme after he returned late from the mid-session interval, and Dikme went on to win in a deciding frame.[42] Fu won five consecutive frames to lead Davies 9–5. Davies took four in a row to tie the scores at 9–9, but Fu won the deciding frame. Bulcsú Révész also led Louis Heathcote 9–5, but Heathcote won three further frames before Révész secured a 10–8 victory. Jordan Brown defeated Ian Burns on the final black of a deciding frame. Chang Bingyu made three centuries as he beat Prin Ratmukda 10–2, and Ishpreet Singh Chadha advanced with a 10–5 win over Chris Totten.[43][41] In addition to Milkins and Davis, players who lost their tour cards after their second-round defeats were Bai, Davies, Gong Chenzhi, Duane Jones, Lam, Totten, Amir Sarkhosh, and Wang Yuchen.[37]

Third qualifying round

[edit]

The third qualifying round featured the winners of the second qualifying round against players ranked 17 to 48.[30] Hossein Vafaei won all nine frames in the opening session of his match against Szubarczyk; he attempted a maximum break in the seventh frame but missed the green. Vafaei went on to secure a 10–2 victory.[44][45] Stuart Bingham, winner of the 2015 edition, made nine breaks over 50 as he took a 9–0 lead over Wang Xinbo in the first session; he also went on to complete a 10–2 win.[45][44] Aaron Hill made back-to-back centuries of 133 and 137 in his 10–3 victory over Yao Pengcheng.[44] Liam Pullen defeated the recent 2026 World Open winner Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 10–7. Stan Moody made a highest break of 128 as he beat Robbie Williams 10–5, and Jamie Jones ensured that he would remain on the professional tour with a 10–3 win over Matthew Selt. Kowalski advanced with a 10–8 win over Joe O'Connor.[45][46] Liam Highfield produced back-to-back century breaks in his 10–5 win over Stephen Maguire, marking the third time in four years that Maguire had failed to qualify for the main stage.[47]

The 2023 champion Luca Brecel (pictured in 2025) defeated Chang Bingyu, who made a maximum break in the match. Brecel lost in the fourth qualifying round.

Chang Bingyu made the second maximum break of his professional career in the ninth frame of his match against Luca Brecel. It was the record-extending 24th maximum of the 2025–‍26 season and the 241st official maximum in snooker history.[48] Having made a maximum in the 2025 UK Championship qualifying rounds, Chang won a £147,000 bonus for making two maximums across the season's Triple Crown events and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.[49] He also won the £15,000 highest break prize and a £10,000 bonus for making a maximum in the qualifiers. Chang made three centuries in the first session, ending it 5–4 ahead, but Brecel produced breaks of 51, 70, 81, 120, 63, and 52 in the second session as he won the match 10–8. Brecel's century in the 15th frame was his first in professional competition that season.[50] Jak Jones, runner-up at the 2024 edition, made centuries of 119 and 135 and six other half-centuries as he defeated Fu 10–6.[50] Ali Carter won eight consecutive frames, making a highest break of 142, as he defeated Julien Leclercq 10–5. He Guoqiang defeated Long Zehuang 10–8. Mertens beat Yuan Sijun in the deciding frame of a match that produced three century breaks by each player, while Fan Zhengyi advanced by defeating Jimmy Robertson 10–4. Anthony McGill trailed Martin O'Donnell 2–8 and 4–9, and required a snooker in frame 14 while trailing by 69 points. However, McGill made breaks including 74, 63, 51, 128, and 72 as he won six consecutive frames for a 10–9 victory.[51][47] Robbie McGuigan, Révész, and Allan Taylor lost their tour cards after their third-round defeats.[37]

Fourth qualifying round

[edit]

The fourth qualifying round, billed as "Judgement Day", featured all 32 winners from the third qualifying round.[30] In the first session of his match against Noppon Saengkham, Pullen attempted a maximum break—for which he would have won a £147,000 bonus, having already made a maximum in the 2025 UK Championship qualifiers—but he missed the 14th black. Pullen won the match 10–8, securing his Crucible debut. The match between Moody and Jiang Jun went to a deciding frame, which Moody won with a century of 104, becoming the first British teenager to reach the Crucible since Judd Trump at the 2007 edition. Having been hospitalised with tonsillitis, he had discharged himself to play the match. "The doctors said to me, 'We know you are going to say no but we want you to stay in.' I said 'No, I've got a match to play.' And I'm glad I did," Moody commented afterwards.[52][53][54]

Antoni Kowalski (pictured in 2025) was the first Polish player to reach the Crucible. The other Crucible debutants were He Guoqiang, Stan Moody, and Liam Pullen.

Facing Jamie Jones, Kowalski won four frames in a row to lead 9–6 and went on to secure a 10–8 victory, becoming the first Polish player to reach the main stage at the Crucible. His win ensured that he would remain on the professional tour the following season, as a defeat would have led to his relegation. In tears after the match, Kowalski said: "I never cry, so that's the perfect explanation of what it means to me." Pang Junxu defeated Jackson Page by the same score, and Zhou Yuelong advanced with a 10–4 win over Holt. Two-time finalist Matthew Stevens led Bingham 5–4 after the first session and went on to win the match 10–7, reaching the Crucible for the first time since the 2022 edition.[55][54] From 1–4 behind against Gao, Vafaei won nine frames in a row for a 10–4 victory, reaching the Crucible for a fifth consecutive time. Two-time semi-finalist Gilbert produced breaks of 141 and 126 as he took a 5–4 lead over Hill in the first session. Gilbert went on to win 10–6, beating Hill in the final qualifying round for a second consecutive year.[52][53]

Jak Jones made five centuries of 136, 100, 114, 114, and 132 as he defeated Brecel 10–5, afterwards calling the match "the best I have played all season". He Guoqiang won the first five frames against the world number 18 Lisowski and went on to complete a 10–5 victory, securing his Crucible debut. Carter came from 5–7 behind against McGill to win five consecutive frames for a 10–7 victory, reaching the Crucible for the 22nd time. Zhang Anda made five centuries of 109, 105, 134, 108, and 143 and four other breaks over 60 as he defeated Zak Surety 10–3, reaching the Crucible for a sixth time. Highfield made a highest break of 126 as he beat Oliver Lines 10–2; Fan made three centuries of 104, 119, and 100 in his 10–4 win over Mertens; and Lei Peifan advanced with a 10–5 defeat of Ryan Day. Xu Si came from 2–7 and 4–8 behind to lead Gary Wilson 9–8. Xu took a 44-point lead in frame 18, but Wilson recovered to force a decider, which he won with a century of 126. A total of six players from mainland China qualified for the Crucible, in addition to five seeds. The total of 11 players from mainland China at the main stage set a new record, surpassing the 10 at the previous year's tournament.[56] The qualifying rounds produced a record total of 177 century breaks, surpassing the 143 set during the previous year's qualifiers.[57]

Main stage

[edit]

First round

[edit]
Zhang Anda (pictured in 2025) was one of a record 11 players from mainland China in the last 32. His 6–10 defeat to Mark Allen meant he had lost in the first round on all six of his Crucible appearances.

The first-round matches were played from 18 to 23 April as the best of 19 frames, held over two sessions.[24] Before the opening session at the Crucible, players and broadcasters led the audience in a minute's applause to commemorate professional player and commentator John Virgo, who had died in February at age 79.[58] Facing Highfield, the defending champion Zhao Xintong led 5–4 after the first session and went on to complete a 10–7 win, having made three centuries in the match, 123, 128, and 112. "I didn't play that well," Zhao commented afterwards, saying he was under "big pressure" in trying to defend the title.[59][60] Zhang made centuries of 129 and 109 and further breaks of 75, 58, and 72 as he took a 5–3 lead over Mark Allen in the opening session, which ended a frame early due to time constraints. Allen, who called his play "absolutely embarrassing" after he failed to make a break over 50 in the first session, produced breaks including 140, 109, 129, and 81 in the second session as he won six consecutive frames for a 10–6 victory. Zhang's defeat meant that he had lost in the first round on all six of his Crucible appearances. "I want to be World Champion," said Allen after the match. "It will be a disappointing career for me if I look back and I haven't won it."[59][60][61][62] Xiao Guodong led Zhou 5–4 after the opening session.[63] In the second session, Xiao won three frames in a row, including back-to-back centuries of 115 and 128, as he completed a 10–6 victory. "It was very difficult as [Zhou] Yuelong is like a little brother to me," Xiao said afterwards. "We train together and it is hard to beat friends."[64]

The three-time champion Mark Williams faced debutant Kowalski. The scores were tied at 3–3 after the first six frames, but Williams then won three consecutive frames for a 6–3 lead.[63][60] In the second session, Williams took four frames in a row to secure a 10–4 victory. Williams praised his opponent afterwards, calling him a "cracking potter" and "definitely one to watch out for". Kowalski stated that he was proud to have been the first player to represent Poland at the Crucible but said he "ran out of steam" after his efforts in the qualifying rounds.[61][65] Facing Stevens, Barry Hawkins won six consecutive frames to end the first session 7–2 ahead and went on to win the match 10–4, his first victory at the Crucible since the 2021 event.[59][60] Both players criticised the cushions after the match. Stevens said that they had "spoiled the game," while Hawkins compared the conditions to a ping-pong table.[61][66] Ding Junhui, runner-up at the 2016 edition, made his 20th consecutive Crucible appearance. He led Gilbert 7–2 after the first session and went on to complete a 10–5 victory.[62][67][68]

Crucible debutant Stan Moody (pictured in 2025) was the first British teenager to play at the main stage since Judd Trump in 2007. Moody led Kyren Wilson 7–3 before losing the match 7–10.

The four-time champion John Higgins, making his 32nd consecutive Crucible appearance, won the first four frames against Carter, a two-time runner-up. Carter responded by winning five in a row to lead 5–4 after the first session.[66] Higgins won three of the last four frames in the second session to secure a 10–7 victory. It was the 12th consecutive year Higgins had won his first-round match at the Crucible, the longest streak of any player. "When the draw came out, I wasn't happy because I knew it would be a mammoth game," said Higgins afterwards.[68][69] Kyren Wilson, winner of the 2024 edition, faced debutant Moody, who made breaks of 84, 91, 110, 55, and 101 in the first session as he took a 6–3 lead.[70] Moody won the first frame of the second session to go 7–3 ahead and had a 35-point lead in frame 11 when he missed frame ball, the last red, along the top cushion. Wilson won the frame on a re-spotted black and went on to take seven consecutive frames, winning frame 14 after requiring three snookers on the last red. "It was really tough," said Wilson of his 10–7 win. "I wasn't playing great but I made some dogged clearances and I had to keep doing the right things."[71][68] Wu Yize, who had lost in the first round on his previous two Crucible appearances, produced breaks including 93, 92, 85, 67, 58, and 105 as he took an 8–1 lead over Lei.[69] In the second session, Wu made breaks of 68 and 116 to complete a 10–2 victory, his first win at the Crucible. "It is my dream to win it," said Wu. "I don't know if I can do that, but I will give 100 per cent and enjoy each match."[72]

Shaun Murphy, winner of the 2005 edition, led Fan 3–1 at the mid-session interval, but Fan tied the scores at 3–3, winning the sixth frame on a re-spotted black. The scores were tied again at 4–4, but Murphy won the last of the session with a 140 total clearance for a 5–4 advantage.[71][68] In the second session, Murphy led 6–5 but required two snookers on the last red in frame 12. He secured the penalty points he needed to force the second re-spotted black of the match, but Fan successfully doubled the black to level at 6–6. The players shared the next six frames, taking the match to a deciding frame. Fan had a 36-point lead in the decider when he missed a red, and Murphy produced a match-winning break of 50 that he later called "the best break I have ever made," saying: "I can't believe I won the match from that position, the way the balls were."[73][74] Judd Trump, the world number one and winner of the 2019 edition, faced Gary Wilson, who made a century of 139 as he moved into a 4–1 lead. Trump won frame six, took frame seven on the colours after requiring a snooker, and then produced breaks of 128 and 77 as he added the last two of the session for a 5–4 lead.[75] Wilson took the first frame of the second session, but Trump then won five consecutive frames for a 10–5 victory. "When it got to 8–5, I could sense a little bit of his confidence was draining and he was going for some rash shots. I knew for me it was then the time to step up," Trump said afterwards.[76][74]

The seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, making a record-extending 34th Crucible appearance, faced debutant He Guoqiang. O'Sullivan won the first five frames and ended the first session 7–2 ahead.[74][77] In the second session, he made back-to-back centuries of 113 and 100 as he completed a 10–2 victory. "I still feel a bit rusty," commented O'Sullivan, who had featured in just nine other tournaments that season. "I haven't played against top players regularly so it's hard to know what my chances are."[78][79] Chris Wakelin, competing as a seeded player in the tournament for the first time, took a 5–4 lead over debutant Pullen, his friend and practice partner.[74][75] In the second session, Wakelin won four frames in a row and went on to win 10–6. "I love to win, but I am not putting any pressure or expectation on myself," Wakelin said afterwards.[80]

Si Jiahui (pictured in 2025) was the only seeded player eliminated in the first round, losing 3–10 to Hossein Vafaei. It was the third time, following the 1983 and 1993 events, that 15 of the 16 seeds advanced.

The four-time champion Mark Selby won the first six frames against Jak Jones, the 2024 runner-up, and ended the first session 7–2 ahead. He went on to complete a 10–2 victory, his first win at the Crucible since the 2023 edition. "It's very tough when you lose in round one because this only comes around once a year," Selby said afterwards, adding that he had been happy with his form in the second half of the season.[81] Facing Si Jiahui, Vafaei came from 1–3 behind to win nine consecutive frames for 10–3 victory. "Perhaps I was sharp after the qualifiers," Vafaei said afterwards. "This gives me confidence and I will be ready for my next match."[82] Neil Robertson took a 5–4 lead over Pang in the first session, despite conceding the second frame while only 47 points behind with 51 remaining on the table, mistakenly believing the deficit was actually 57.[83] In the second session, Pang tied the scores at 5–5, but Robertson won five of the last six frames for a 10–6 victory.[84] A record-equalling 15 of the 16 seeds reached the second round, with Si the only seed to lose his first-round match. This had previously happened only twice, at the 1983 edition, when Jimmy White was the only seed who lost in the first round, and the 1993 edition, when Alain Robidoux was the only seed who did not advance.[85]

Second round

[edit]

The second-round matches were played from 23 to 27 April as the best of 25 frames, held over three sessions.[24] Murphy made four centuries as he defeated Xiao 13–3, winning the match with a session to spare and reaching his 10th World Championship quarter-final. "I was handed a lifeline when I beat Fan and I don't want to waste it," Murphy said afterwards. "I know that my opportunities here won't come forever and when they do arrive I have to snatch them."[86][87][88] Allen won the first five frames against the world number two Kyren Wilson, who responded to take the last three of the session.[84] Wilson also won the first three frames of the second session to lead 6–5, by which point Allen had potted just 10 balls since taking a 5–0 lead.[88] However, Allen won four of the last five frames in the session, making a total clearance of 140 in frame 15, to end it 9–7 ahead.[89] In the third session, Allen won four of the six frames played for a 13–9 victory, reaching his fifth World Championship quarter-final. "I'd love to score a little bit better," Allen said afterwards. "It isn't a lot of fun grinding matches out." Wilson commented: "Any loss here is disappointing. I came here to try and win the tournament."[90][91]

The three-time champion and previous year's runner-up Mark Williams (pictured in 2026) lost 9–13 to Barry Hawkins.

Ding faced the defending champion Zhao in a match that was expected to reach large audiences in China.[92] The scores were tied at 4–4 after the opening session.[89] In the second session, Zhao won four of the first five frames as he moved 8–5 ahead, but Ding took two of the last three to leave Zhao leading 9–7.[93] Zhao won four of the six frames played in the third session as he completed a 13–9 victory. "Before the match I said I just wanted to enjoy it and not put myself under pressure," Zhao said afterwards. "It wasn't like that. We knew everyone had their eyes on us. I couldn't enjoy it."[94][95] Williams and Hawkins were tied at 4–4 after their first session, Hawkins having made a century of 127 in the opening frame and Williams a century of 124 in frame four.[86][87] In the second session, Hawkins won five of the first six frames played and ended the session 10–6 ahead.[96] The final session of the match coincided with the first session between O'Sullivan and Higgins on the other table, meaning that all three members of the Class of '92 were competing at the Crucible simultaneously. The players received a standing ovation, which Williams called "the best reception I've ever seen here." Hawkins went on to complete a 13–9 victory, reaching the seventh World Championship quarter-final of his career and his first since the 2018 edition. "I used to crumble against those sorts of players," Hawkins said afterwards. "I think in the last four or five years I've had more belief in myself."[97][98]

The world number one and 2019 champion Judd Trump (pictured in 2026) lost in a deciding frame to Hossein Vafaei.

The world number one Trump faced Vafaei, the only qualifier to reach the second round. The scores were tied at 4–4 after the opening session,[93] and Trump moved 9–7 ahead in the second session.[99] In the final session, Trump led 12–11, but Vafaei made a century of 106 to force a deciding frame, which he won with a break of 91 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time, having previously lost twice in the second round. The players embraced after the match as Vafaei received a standing ovation. "I wasn't nervous. I enjoyed every minute," Vafaei said afterwards. "It was a fantastic feeling against the world number one." Trump commented: "It hurts but I had my chances. I'm not angry about it. I just was not good enough."[100][95][101] Robertson faced Wakelin, who had beaten him 10–8 in the first round the previous year. Robertson led 4–1 in the first session, but Wakelin tied the scores at 4–4.[91] Robertson won three consecutive frames in the second session, after which he led 10–6.[95][99] Robertson won another three frames in a row in the third session and secured a 13–7 win. He commented: "It was a really enjoyable match because Chris [Wakelin] and I play in a similar way, always trying to stay on the front foot."[102]

The seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan (pictured in 2026) led John Higgins 9–4 but lost the match 12–13.

O'Sullivan and Higgins faced each other for the seventh time at the World Championship, each having won three of their previous Crucible encounters. They had last met at the tournament in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, when O'Sullivan won 17–11.[103] O'Sullivan made breaks of 86, 82, 137, 95, and 76 in the first session as he took a 6–2 lead.[97][98] In the second session, O'Sullivan led 8–3 and 9–4, but Higgins won the last three frames of the session, taking the last two on the final black. O'Sullivan thumped the table out of frustration after missing a red in the last frame of the session.[95][104][105] Higgins also won the first three frames of the final session, making back-to-back centuries of 118 and 128 in frames 18 and 19, as he took a 10–9 lead. Having lost six consecutive frames at the Crucible for only the fifth time, O'Sullivan won the next two with breaks of 62 and 93, but Higgins responded with breaks of 111 and 88 to move one from victory at 12–11. O'Sullivan tied the scores at 12–12, but Higgins won the deciding frame. The players received a standing ovation after the match ended. "In the first two sessions I didn't play well and Ronnie [O'Sullivan] was brilliant. I felt a bit inferior," said Higgins afterwards. "At 9–4 last night I felt I had to win the last three frames to have a chance." O'Sullivan commented: "There was pressure out there and I felt tight, maybe because I haven't been playing that many tournaments. But I feel in a better place with my game than I have done in the past three years."[101][106][107] Former champions Stephen Hendry and Doherty praised the quality of the match. "You just can't play snooker better than this," Hendry said. Doherty called the encounter "one of the greatest last-16 matches I've ever seen."[101]

Selby opened his match against Wu with back-to-back centuries of 123 and 124. Wu, who had won his first ranking title at the 2025 International Championship the previous November, won the next three frames, but Selby took two of the last three to tie the scores at 4–4.[94] Wu took a 9–7 lead in the second session.[95][104] In the final session, Selby reduced Wu's lead to one at 10–9, but Wu won the 53-minute 20th frame. Selby hit the table with his cue in frustration after missing a red in the 21st frame, which Wu won to go 12–9 ahead. Wu went on to secure a 13–10 victory. Calling the match "tough and exhausting", Wu said: "I spent a lot of time in safety exchanges in almost every frame. What made me happy was that I could go back and forth with him. It's the first time I felt I performed so well defensively."[108] Selby praised his opponent after the match, saying: "Wu is young, still loving the game and not too many battle scars. Good luck to the boy. I really like him. I think he is a World Champion in the making."[101]

Quarter-finals

[edit]
The defending champion Zhao Xintong (pictured in 2016) lost 10–13 to Shaun Murphy, becoming the 21st player to experience the so-called "Crucible curse".

The quarter-final matches were played on 28 and 29 April as the best of 25 frames, held over three sessions.[24] Facing Murphy, the defending champion Zhao took the opening frame with a break of 122 and moved into a 3–0 lead. Murphy then won five consecutive frames, taking both the sixth and eighth frames on the last pink, to lead 5–3 after the first session.[109][110] In the second session, Murphy led 7–5 at the mid-session interval, but Zhao won three of the next four as he tied the scores at 8–8.[111][112] In the final session, Murphy won three consecutive frames, making breaks including 80 and 70, as he moved one from victory at 12–9. Zhao won the next with an 81 break, but Murphy then completed a 13–10 win, helped by a break of 69. "I think when you are playing a great player, which Zhao unquestionably is, it makes it straightforward for you," Murphy said. "I just knew I had to play properly and knew I had to be somewhere near my best and I think I was." Murphy called the victory one of the best wins of his career. "[Murphy] played perfect snooker and deserves his win," said Zhao, who became the 21st player to experience the so-called "Crucible curse", referring to the fact that no first-time champion had retained the title since the tournament moved to the Crucible in 1977.[113][18][114] Of his time as World Champion, Zhao said: "Everyone is watching you and has high expectations for you. I've learned a lot from this experience and that will be very helpful for me going forward."[115]

Facing Allen, Hawkins took a 4–3 lead. Allen led by 56 points in the final frame of the session when he missed a red; Hawkins produced a 63 clearance to extend his lead to 5–3.[109][110] In the second session, Hawkins led 7–5 at the mid-session interval. In frame 13, Allen made a 138 break, the 700th century of his professional career. Hawkins responded with a total clearance of 140 to win frame 14, but Allen made another century of 131 to take frame 15 and then won the final frame of the session on the last pink to tie the scores at 8–8.[111][112] Allen also won the first two frames of the final session, but Hawkins tied the scores at 10–10 and 11–11. Allen made a century of 104 to lead 12–11. In the 24th frame, Hawkins had a 42-point lead when he missed the black, and Allen responded with a break of 59 before snookering Hawkins on the last red. Hawkins fluked the red while escaping from the snooker and attempted a roll-up behind the pink, but he failed to make contact, fouling and leaving himself snookered. From the opportunity that followed, Allen secured a 13–11 victory, saying afterwards: "I didn't want it to go 12–12 so when Barry [Hawkins] fluked the red my heart sank. But when he left the cue ball short of the pink, I was doing somersaults inside." Of his error on the pink in the final frame, Hawkins commented: "I was gutted. What a way to lose, knowing you have played an absolute terrible shot. It was a sinking feeling after trying so hard in a long match like that."[116][113]

John Higgins (pictured in 2026) won seven of the last eight frames to beat Neil Robertson, becoming the oldest semi-finalist since Ray Reardon in 1985.

Higgins, competing in his 20th World Championship quarter-final, was tied at 2–2 with Robertson at the mid-session interval. Robertson then won three of the next four frames, taking the 56-minute eighth frame on the colours, to lead 5–3 after the first session.[111][117] In the second session, Robertson moved 6–3 ahead before Higgins made breaks of 51, 86, and 126 to tie the scores at 6–6. Robertson won three consecutive frames to lead 9–6, but Higgins won the last of the session with an 80 break to leave Robertson 9–7 ahead.[113] Higgins began the final session with breaks of 66 and 77 as he tied the scores at 9–9. Robertson made a 77 break to go 10–9 ahead, but Higgins won the 20th frame after Robertson went in-off the last green, tying the scores again at 10–10. After the mid-session interval, Higgins won frame 21, took the 54-minute 22nd frame by clearing the colours to win by one point, and went on to complete a 13–10 victory, having won seven of the last eight frames in the match. "I think there has been a mentality shift in the last two years, not getting too down on myself," Higgins said afterwards. "I really think I'm a different person coming to events. I hope to play well but if I don't then I don't. I've got a better mindset and I think that has helped me." It was the 12th consecutive year Robertson had failed to reached the semi-finals, having last reached the final four at the 2014 edition. He commented: "It was always going to be tough against [Higgins]. I'm just disappointed I couldn't get the match on my terms."[118][113]

Wu faced Vafaei, both of whom played in the World Championship quarter-finals for the first time. Vafaei won two of the first three frames, but Wu made breaks of 90, 56, 56, and 52 as he won three in a row for a 4–2 lead. Vafaei won frame seven with a break of 71 and then came from behind to take the last of the session, tying the scores at 4–4.[111][117] Vafaei also took the opening frame of the second session with a century of 106, but Wu then won five consecutive frames with breaks of 76, 71, 52, 102, and 92 to lead 9–5. Vafaei won frame 15, but Wu took the last of the session with a 90 break for a 10–6 advantage.[115] Wu won the opening frame of the final session with a 75 break. Vafaei won the next with breaks of 71 and 55, but Wu produced a total clearance of 135 to lead 12–7 and went on to secure a 13–8 victory. "For me, it's about maintaining a high level consistently in scoring, as well as the defensive game. Everything has to be solid if you want to win," Wu said afterwards. "I've been putting in extra work to improve my safety play. In these long-frame matches, you need to do everything well to come out on top." Vafaei said, "I have turned a bad season into a much better one so I feel more positive and I have learned a lot."[119]

Semi-finals

[edit]
Shaun Murphy (pictured in 2026) made his 100th century break at the Crucible. He defeated John Higgins 17–15 to reach his fifth World Championship final.

The semi-final matches were played from 30 April to 2 May as the best of 33 frames, held over four sessions.[24] Higgins made his 12th World Championship semi-final appearance, equalling Hendry and trailing only O'Sullivan, who had made 14 appearances. At 50 years and 347 days old, he became the oldest semi-finalist at the event since Ray Reardon, who had been 52 years and 199 days old at the 1985 edition. Playing his 100th match at the Crucible, Higgins faced Murphy, who was contesting his sixth World Championship semi-final, having won four of his previous five. The two had met twice before at the World Championship: Murphy had defeated Higgins 13–8 in the quarter-finals of the 2005 edition, and Higgins had beaten Murphy 18–9 in the final of the 2009 edition.[113][118][120][121]

BBC journalist Steve Sutcliffe noted that in the first session Higgins "appeared to still be feeling the effects of his late-night quarter-final victory over Neil Robertson", describing his play as "an error-strewn showing." Murphy made breaks of 68, 69, and 100 as he took a 3–1 lead. Higgins's highest break of the session was just 50, but he won three of the last four frames played, tying the scores at 4–4.[122][123][124] In the second session, the scores were tied at 5–5 and 6–6. Higgins took an 8–6 lead, but Murphy won the last two frames of the session to level at 8–8.[121][125][126] In the third session, the scores were tied again at 9–9, 10–10, and 11–11. Murphy's 105 break in the 22nd frame was his 100th century at the Crucible, making him the fifth player, after O'Sullivan, Higgins, Hendry, and Selby, to reach that milestone. Higgins responded with breaks of 70 and 101 as he took the last two frames of the session, ending it 13–11 ahead.[127][128] Murphy won the first two frames of the final session with back-to-back centuries of 132 and 127, tying the scores at 13–13. Higgins took the next two frames to go 15–13 in front, but Murphy then won four consecutive frames, making breaks including 105 and 78 as he secured a 17–15 victory.[129] On reaching the final, Murphy said: "I have worked so hard to get back to this stage, in the hunt for that rhythm and timing and commitment under pressure. I am going to give it absolutely everything." Higgins said: "I can't be too disappointed because Shaun [Murphy] was superb."[130]

Mark Allen (pictured in 2026) and Wu Yize played the longest frame in Crucible history, at 100 minutes and 21 seconds. Allen missed a match-ball black off its spot in frame 32 and lost in a deciding frame.

Allen played in his third World Championship semi-final, having previously reached that stage at the 2009 and 2023 editions. He faced Wu, who was the fourth player from mainland China to reach the semi-finals, following Ding, Si, and Zhao.[72][120] Wu won the first two frames. Midway through frame three, television coverage was disrupted for 15 minutes due to a technical fault. Allen completed a break of 91 to win the frame, after which the players left the arena until the issue was resolved. Allen also took frame four to tie the scores at 2–2 at the mid-session interval, but Wu then won four frames in a row, ending the session 6–2 ahead.[123][124][131]

In the second session, Allen won the first five frames, making centuries of 145 and 121 as he moved into a 7–6 lead. During the 14th frame, the last eight reds became clustered around the black, which was blocking a top corner pocket. Wu repeatedly rolled the cue ball into the reds and Allen played away again. After 75 consecutive safety shots from that position, with the audience cheering and slow-clapping, tournament director Rob Spencer instructed referee Marcel Eckardt to give the players three further shots each to resolve the stalemate or face a re-rack. Allen, who then had a 34-point lead, objected to a re-rack and ended the impasse by potting the black and fouling.[132] Wu moved ahead, leaving Allen requiring snookers, and eventually secured the frame by potting the last pink. The frame lasted 100 minutes and 21 seconds, a new record for the longest frame played at the Crucible, surpassing a frame between Selby and Yan Bingtao at the 2022 edition that had lasted 85 minutes and 22 seconds. The 14th frame included a 55-minute stretch during which neither player potted a ball. Speaking during the BBC's coverage, six-time champion Steve Davis called the frame "an embarrassment to snooker", while Hendry called it "the most ludicrous frame of snooker in Crucible history." The second session ended after the 14th frame due to time constraints, with the scores tied at 7–7.[125][126][133][134]

In the third session, Wu made breaks of 142, 76, and 121 as he moved 10–8 ahead, but Allen tied the scores at 10–10 with breaks of 85 and 99. Wu produced a century of 140 to win frame 21, but Allen took the last frame of the session to tie the scores again at 11–11.[135][136] In the final session, the players traded frames, with Wu making a century of 126 in frame 24, until Allen won two consecutive frames to lead 16–14. Allen had match-winning opportunities in all three remaining frames. In frame 31, he was on a break of 45 when he missed a red, and Wu won the frame with a 67 clearance. In frame 32, Allen led by 10 points when he missed the last red. Wu attempted a clearance but missed a pot on the last pink. Allen potted the pink but then missed a match-ball black off its spot, and Wu tied the scores at 16–16. In the deciding frame, Allen made a break of 47 before losing position, and Wu went on to win the frame and match with a clearance of 71. Wu said afterwards: "I feel sorry for Mark [Allen]. I thought I was going to lose but I was able to take the opportunity. I was under pressure in the second session and lost my lead. After that, I felt less pressure." Allen commented: "I had my chances and completely blew it, to be honest. I always fancy myself under pressure, but I didn't cope with it today. When you miss a black like that, you don't deserve to win. I had more than enough chances to win it."[129][137][138]

Final

[edit]
Wu Yize (pictured before the event) defeated Shaun Murphy 18–17, becoming the second-youngest World Champion and the second winner from Asia. The final was the fourth to go to a deciding frame.

The final was played on 3 and 4 May as the best of 35 frames, held over four sessions, between the eighth seed Shaun Murphy and the tenth seed Wu Yize.[24][139] Murphy contested the fifth World Championship final of his career, having previously won the title in 2005 and been runner-up in 2009, 2015, and 2021.[129] Wu competed in his first World Championship final, never having won a match at the Crucible before that year. He was the third player from mainland China to reach the final, following Ding in 2016 and Zhao in 2025.[138] The 30th ranking final of Murphy's career and the fourth of Wu's career, it was the third professional match between the players, Murphy having defeated Wu 5–4 in the last 32 of the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix and Wu having beaten Murphy 6–2 in the first round of the 2026 Masters.[140][141] Rob Spencer, a referee on the professional tour since 2013, officiated his first World Championship final.[142]

Wu won the first three frames, making breaks including 51 and 61. During the third frame, a female spectator jumped the barrier at the front row and entered the playing area, but the referee prevented her from approaching the table, and security removed her from the arena. The woman, who shouted an objection to paying the television licence, was later identified as an OnlyFans model.[143][144] Murphy made breaks of 85, 98, 77, and 109 as he won the next four frames. Wu attempted a maximum break in the last frame of the session, but his effort ended on 65 after he missed the ninth black. The scores were level at 4–4 after the first session.[145][146][147] In the second session, Wu won four of the first five frames played, making breaks including 82, 103, and 89 as he moved 8–5 ahead. Murphy narrowed Wu's lead to 9–7, but Wu made a 91 break in the last frame of the session for a three-frame overnight lead at 10–7.[148][145]

In the third session, Wu struggled with his long potting as Murphy won the first five frames, making breaks including 76, 52, 59, 55, and 60 as he moved 12–10 ahead. Wu won the last three frames of the session, making breaks including 64, 60, and 61 as he regained a one-frame lead at 13–12.[149][150] Wu also won the first frame of the final session with an 88 break, moving 14–12 ahead, but Murphy made an 82 break to win frame 27 and then tied the scores at 14–14. Wu won frame 29, but Murphy recovered from 70 points behind in frame 30 to level at 15–15. Wu won frame 31, but Murphy made a century of 131 to tie the scores again at 16–16. Murphy missed a red while on a break of 45 in frame 33, and Wu took the frame with a 91 break. Wu had a match-winning opportunity in frame 34 but missed the black off its spot while on a break of 43, and Murphy levelled at 17–17 with a 75 break. It was the fourth time the World Championship final had gone to a deciding frame, following the 1985 final between Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis, the 1994 final between Hendry and Jimmy White, and the 2002 final between Peter Ebdon and Hendry. Wu won the decider with a break of 85 to secure an 18–17 victory. In all, the final featured three centuries and 29 other breaks over 50.[151][152]

Wu won his first world title, first Triple Crown title, and second ranking title. He became the second World Champion from Asia and the second from mainland China, following Zhao. At the age of 22 years and 202 days, he became the second-youngest winner in the tournament's history, after Hendry, who had been 21 years and 106 days old at the 1990 edition. Wu was the fourth consecutive first-time winner, following Brecel in 2023, Kyren Wilson in 2024, and Zhao in 2025, setting a new record for the longest streak of maiden winners at the tournament.[151][152] "I am so happy I could play like that today," Wu said after the match. "I played for my family, for myself and for China. My parents are the true champions. Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side. My mum has also been through so much over the years. They are the source of my strength and I love them so much."[151] After losing his fourth world final out of five played, Murphy commented: "It was a great match. It had everything. Wu is one of the most talented players I have ever seen. I don't feel I lost the final—Wu won it. I couldn't have tried harder and I am very proud of the way I played." Wu finished the season at a career high of fourth in the snooker world rankings, with Murphy advancing to sixth.[153] Writing in the New York Times, Tim Spiers called the championship "one of the best tournaments in recent years," and said "the two semis and the final were all bona fide classics."[154]

Main draw

[edit]

The draw for the main tournament is shown below. The numbers in parentheses after the players' names denote the seedings for the 16 seeded players. The match winners are shown in bold.[155][156][157]

Round 1 (Last 32)
Best of 19 frames		Round 2 (Last 16)
Best of 25 frames		Quarter-finals
Best of 25 frames		Semi-finals
Best of 33 frames		Final
Best of 35 frames
18 April
 Zhao Xintong (CHN) (1) 10
24, 25 & 26 April
 Liam Highfield (ENG) 7
 Zhao Xintong (CHN) (1) 13
19 & 20 April
 Ding Junhui (CHN) (16) 9
 Ding Junhui (CHN) (16) 10
28 & 29 April
 David Gilbert (ENG) 5
 Zhao Xintong (CHN) (1) 10
18 & 19 April
 Shaun Murphy (ENG) (8) 13
 Xiao Guodong (CHN) (9) 10
23 & 24 April
 Zhou Yuelong (CHN) 6
 Xiao Guodong (CHN) (9) 3
20 & 21 April
 Shaun Murphy (ENG) (8) 13
 Shaun Murphy (ENG) (8) 10
30 April, 1 & 2 May
 Fan Zhengyi (CHN) 9
 Shaun Murphy (ENG) (8) 17
19 & 20 April
 John Higgins (SCO) (5) 15
 John Higgins (SCO) (5) 10
25, 26 & 27 April
 Ali Carter (ENG) 7
 John Higgins (SCO) (5) 13
21 & 22 April
 Ronnie O'Sullivan (ENG) (12) 12
 Ronnie O'Sullivan (ENG) (12) 10
28 & 29 April
 He Guoqiang (CHN) 2
 John Higgins (SCO) (5) 13
21 & 22 April
 Neil Robertson (AUS) (4) 10
 Chris Wakelin (ENG) (13) 10
25, 26 & 27 April
 Liam Pullen (ENG) 6
 Chris Wakelin (ENG) (13) 7
22 & 23 April
 Neil Robertson (AUS) (4) 13
 Neil Robertson (AUS) (4) 10
3 & 4 May
 Pang Junxu (CHN) 6
 Shaun Murphy (ENG) (8) 17
20 April
 Wu Yize (CHN) (10) 18
 Kyren Wilson (ENG) (3) 10
23, 24 & 25 April
 Stan Moody (ENG) 7
 Kyren Wilson (ENG) (3) 9
18 & 19 April
 Mark Allen (NIR) (14) 13
 Mark Allen (NIR) (14) 10
28 & 29 April
 Zhang Anda (CHN) 6
 Mark Allen (NIR) (14) 13
18 & 19 April
 Barry Hawkins (ENG) (11) 11
 Barry Hawkins (ENG) (11) 10
24 & 25 April
 Matthew Stevens (WAL) 4
 Barry Hawkins (ENG) (11) 13
18 & 19 April
 Mark Williams (WAL) (6) 9
 Mark Williams (WAL) (6) 10
30 April, 1 & 2 May
 Antoni Kowalski (POL) 4
 Mark Allen (NIR) (14) 16
22 April
 Wu Yize (CHN) (10) 17
 Mark Selby (ENG) (7) 10
26 & 27 April
 Jak Jones (WAL) 2
 Mark Selby (ENG) (7) 11
20 & 21 April
 Wu Yize (CHN) (10) 13
 Wu Yize (CHN) (10) 10
28 & 29 April
 Lei Peifan (CHN) 2
 Wu Yize (CHN) (10) 13
22 & 23 April
 Hossein Vafaei (IRN) 8
 Si Jiahui (CHN) (15) 3
25, 26 & 27 April
 Hossein Vafaei (IRN) 10
 Hossein Vafaei (IRN) 13
21 April
 Judd Trump (ENG) (2) 12
 Judd Trump (ENG) (2) 10
 Gary Wilson (ENG) 5

Final: frame scores

[edit]
Final: (Best of 35 frames) Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, 3 & 4 May 2026
Referee: Rob Spencer[142]
Shaun Murphy (8)
 England 		17–18 Wu Yize (10)
 China
Session 1: 4–4 (4–4)
Frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Murphy 50 50 (50) 53 95† (85) 98† (98) 90† (77) 118† (109) 32 N/A N/A
Wu 72† (51) 60† 86† (61) 0 0 24 1 74† (65) N/A N/A
Session 2: 3–6 (7–10)
Frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Murphy 1 16 80† (72) 8 8 83† (70) 29 66† 39 N/A
Wu 82† (82) 106† (103) 32 72† 89† (89) 0 97† (66) 1 91† (91) N/A
Session 3: 5–3 (12–13)
Frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Murphy 103† 76† (76) 62† (52) 120† (59, 55) 67† (60) 0 1 5 N/A N/A
Wu 37 9 13 2 37 93† (64) 73† 121† (61, 60) N/A N/A
Session 4: 5–5 (17–18)
Frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Murphy 1 82† (82) 75† 56 73† (65) 0 131† (131) 45 75† (75) 8
Wu 88† (88) 0 26 60† 70 (70) 65† (56) 1 91† (91) 43 85† (85)
(frame 32) 131 Highest break 103 (frame 10)
2 Century breaks 1
14 50+ breaks 15
China Wu Yize wins the 2026 World Snooker Championship[139]

† = Winner of frame

Qualifying draw

[edit]

The results of the qualifying rounds are shown below. The numbers in parentheses after the players' names denote the seedings for each player; an "a" indicates amateur players not on the main tour. The match winners are shown in bold.[158][159]

Round 1 (Last 144)
Best of 19 frames		Round 2 (Last 112)
Best of 19 frames		Round 3 (Last 80)
Best of 19 frames		Round 4 (Last 48)
Best of 19 frames
 Mitchell Mann (ENG) (81)4 Iulian Boiko (UKR) (80)4 Stuart Bingham (ENG) (17)10
 Wang Xinbo (CHN) (a)10 Wang Xinbo (CHN) (a)10 Wang Xinbo (CHN) (a)2 Stuart Bingham (ENG) (17)7
 Jonas Luz (BRA) (112)2 Scott Donaldson (SCO) (49)8 Matthew Stevens (WAL) (48)10 Matthew Stevens (WAL) (48)10
 Peter Lines (ENG) (a)10 Peter Lines (ENG) (a)10 Peter Lines (ENG) (a)8
 Michał Szubarczyk (POL) (96)10 Sanderson Lam (ENG) (65)8 Hossein Vafaei (IRN) (32)10
 Ng On-yee (HKG) (120)7 Michał Szubarczyk (POL) (96)10 Michał Szubarczyk (POL) (96)2 Hossein Vafaei (IRN) (32)10
 Gao Yang (CHN) (97)10 Mark Davis (ENG) (64)6 Tom Ford (ENG) (33)8 Gao Yang (CHN) (97)4
 Jimmy White (ENG) (119)9 Gao Yang (CHN) (97)10 Gao Yang (CHN) (97)10
 Yao Pengcheng (CHN) (104)10 David Lilley (ENG) (57)5 Aaron Hill (IRL) (40)10
 Ryan Davies (ENG) (a)9 Yao Pengcheng (CHN) (104)10 Yao Pengcheng (CHN) (104)3 Aaron Hill (IRL) (40)6
 Huang Jiahao (CHN) (89)5 Duane Jones (WAL) (72)5 David Gilbert (ENG) (25)10 David Gilbert (ENG) (25)10
 Leone Crowley (IRL) (114)10 Leone Crowley (IRL) (114)10 Leone Crowley (IRL) (114)3
 Bai Yulu (CHN) (105)10 Michael Holt (ENG) (56)10 Daniel Wells (WAL) (41)5
 Daniel Womersley (ENG) (a)7 Bai Yulu (CHN) (105)4 Michael Holt (ENG) (56)10 Michael Holt (ENG) (56)4
 Robbie McGuigan (NIR) (88)10 Gong Chenzhi (CHN) (73)7 Zhou Yuelong (CHN) (24)10 Zhou Yuelong (CHN) (24)10
 Hammad Miah (ENG) (a)8 Robbie McGuigan (NIR) (88)10 Robbie McGuigan (NIR) (88)3
 Cheung Ka Wai (HKG) (85)9 Jiang Jun (CHN) (76)10 Elliot Slessor (ENG) (21)7
 Ashley Carty (ENG) (a)10 Ashley Carty (ENG) (a)3 Jiang Jun (CHN) (76)10 Jiang Jun (CHN) (76)9
 Ross Muir (SCO) (108)10 Robbie Williams (ENG) (53)10 Stan Moody (ENG) (44)10 Stan Moody (ENG) (44)10
 Mykhailo Larkov (UKR) (a)5 Ross Muir (SCO) (108)4 Robbie Williams (ENG) (53)5
 Haris Tahir (PAK) (92)6 Antoni Kowalski (POL) (69)10 Joe O'Connor (ENG) (28)8
 Connor Benzey (ENG) (116)10 Connor Benzey (ENG) (116)1 Antoni Kowalski (POL) (69)10 Antoni Kowalski (POL) (69)10
 Reanne Evans (ENG) (101)7 Jamie Jones (WAL) (60)10 Matthew Selt (ENG) (37)3 Jamie Jones (WAL) (60)8
 Vladislav Gradinari (MDA) (a)10 Vladislav Gradinari (MDA) (a)3 Jamie Jones (WAL) (60)10
 Ken Doherty (IRL) (100)5 Robert Milkins (ENG) (61)3 Jackson Page (WAL) (36)10
 Patrick Whelan (ENG) (a)10 Patrick Whelan (ENG) (a)10 Patrick Whelan (ENG) (a)6 Jackson Page (WAL) (36)8
 Dylan Emery (WAL) (93)10 Artemijs Žižins (LAT) (68)6 Pang Junxu (CHN) (29)10 Pang Junxu (CHN) (29)10
 Anton Kazakov (UKR) (a)9 Dylan Emery (WAL) (93)10 Dylan Emery (WAL) (93)9
 Mateusz Baranowski (POL) (109)10 Ricky Walden (ENG) (52)10 Noppon Saengkham (THA) (45)10
 Florian Nüßle (AUT) (118)5 Mateusz Baranowski (POL) (109)4 Ricky Walden (ENG) (52)6 Noppon Saengkham (THA) (45)8
 Liam Pullen (ENG) (84)10 Amir Sarkhosh (IRN) (77)7 Thepchaiya Un-Nooh (THA) (20)7 Liam Pullen (ENG) (84)10
 Alfie Burden (ENG) (a)9 Liam Pullen (ENG) (84)10 Liam Pullen (ENG) (84)10
 Marco Fu (HKG) (83)10 Liam Davies (WAL) (78)9 Jak Jones (WAL) (19)10
 Mink Nutcharut (THA) (117)1 Marco Fu (HKG) (83)10 Marco Fu (HKG) (83)6 Jak Jones (WAL) (19)10
 Alexander Ursenbacher (SUI) (110)w/d Chang Bingyu (CHN) (51)10 Luca Brecel (BEL) (46)10 Luca Brecel (BEL) (46)5
 Prin Ratmukda (THA) (a)w/o Prin Ratmukda (THA) (a)2 Chang Bingyu (CHN) (51)8
 Ian Burns (ENG) (94)10 Jordan Brown (NIR) (67)10 Lei Peifan (CHN) (30)10
 Sahil Nayyar (CAN) (121)6 Ian Burns (ENG) (94)9 Jordan Brown (NIR) (67)4 Lei Peifan (CHN) (30)10
 Chris Totten (SCO) (99)10 Ishpreet Singh Chadha (IND) (62)10 Ryan Day (WAL) (35)10 Ryan Day (WAL) (35)5
 Daniel Boyes (ENG) (a)5 Chris Totten (SCO) (99)5 Ishpreet Singh Chadha (IND) (62)8
 Xu Yichen (CHN) (102)10 Liu Hongyu (CHN) (59)10 Xu Si (CHN) (38)10
 Stuart Carrington (ENG) (a)4 Xu Yichen (CHN) (102)5 Liu Hongyu (CHN) (59)8 Xu Si (CHN) (38)9
 Steven Hallworth (ENG) (91)10 Allan Taylor (ENG) (70)10 Gary Wilson (ENG) (27)10 Gary Wilson (ENG) (27)10
 Kreishh Gurbaxani (IND) (122)6 Steven Hallworth (ENG) (91)6 Allan Taylor (ENG) (70)1
 Liam Graham (SCO) (107)4 Lyu Haotian (CHN) (54)8 Zak Surety (ENG) (43)10
 Oliver Sykes (ENG) (a)10 Oliver Sykes (ENG) (a)10 Oliver Sykes (ENG) (a)3 Zak Surety (ENG) (43)3
 Bulcsú Révész (HUN) (86)10 Louis Heathcote (ENG) (75)8 Zhang Anda (CHN) (22)10 Zhang Anda (CHN) (22)10
 Craig Steadman (ENG) (a)6 Bulcsú Révész (HUN) (86)10 Bulcsú Révész (HUN) (86)6
 David Grace (ENG) (87)4 Julien Leclercq (BEL) (74)10 Ali Carter (ENG) (23)10
 Ashley Hugill (ENG) (a)10 Ashley Hugill (ENG) (a)7 Julien Leclercq (BEL) (74)5 Ali Carter (ENG) (23)10
 Zhao Hanyang (CHN) (106)10 Martin O'Donnell (ENG) (55)10 Anthony McGill (SCO) (42)10 Anthony McGill (SCO) (42)7
 Mahmoud El Hareedy (EGY) (124)3 Zhao Hanyang (CHN) (106)5 Martin O'Donnell (ENG) (55)9
 Liam Highfield (ENG) (90)10 Wang Yuchen (HKG) (71)4 Stephen Maguire (SCO) (26)5
 Oliver Brown (ENG) (115)4 Liam Highfield (ENG) (90)10 Liam Highfield (ENG) (90)10 Liam Highfield (ENG) (90)10
 Liu Wenwei (CHN) (103)3 Oliver Lines (ENG) (58)10 Ben Woollaston (ENG) (39)8 Oliver Lines (ENG) (58)2
 Mark Lloyd (ENG) (a)10 Mark Lloyd (ENG) (a)2 Oliver Lines (ENG) (58)10
 Lan Yuhao (CHN) (98)10 Fan Zhengyi (CHN) (63)10 Jimmy Robertson (ENG) (34)4
 Chatchapong Nasa (THA) (113)5 Lan Yuhao (CHN) (98)3 Fan Zhengyi (CHN) (63)10 Fan Zhengyi (CHN) (63)10
 Haydon Pinhey (ENG) (95)5 Ben Mertens (BEL) (66)w/o Yuan Sijun (CHN) (31)9 Ben Mertens (BEL) (66)4
 Jamie Clarke (WAL) (a)10 Jamie Clarke (WAL) (a)[a]w/d Ben Mertens (BEL) (66)10
 Hatem Yassen (EGY) (111)4 Long Zehuang (CHN) (50)10 He Guoqiang (CHN) (47)10
 Fergal Quinn (NIR) (123)10 Fergal Quinn (NIR) (123)2 Long Zehuang (CHN) (50)8 He Guoqiang (CHN) (47)10
 Farakh Ajaib (PAK) (82)7 Sam Craigie (ENG) (79)9 Jack Lisowski (ENG) (18)10 Jack Lisowski (ENG) (18)5
 Umut Dikme (GER) (a)10 Umut Dikme (GER) (a)10 Umut Dikme (GER) (a)7
Note: w/o = walkover; w/d = withdrawn

Century breaks

[edit]

Main stage centuries

[edit]

A total of 81 century breaks were made during the main stage of the tournament.[160]

Qualifying stage centuries

[edit]

A total of 177 century breaks were made during the qualifying rounds.[57] This was a record, surpassing the previous number of 143 set during the qualifying rounds for the 2025 World Championship.[161]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Jamie Clarke withdrew from the match due to illness after the fifth frame, having trailed Ben Mertens 0–5.[41]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Everton, Clive (1986). The History of Snooker and Billiards. Haywards Heath: Partridge Press. p. 50. ISBN 978-1-85225-013-3.
  2. ^ a b Turner, Chris (2008). "World Professional Championship". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 6 June 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Joe Davis, a snooker champion who retired unbeaten, Was 77". The New York Times. 11 July 1978. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  4. ^ Nunns, Hector; Hendon, David. "Full history". WPBSA. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  5. ^ Wright, Joe (30 April 2023). "Who has won the most World Snooker Championship titles? Hendry, O'Sullivan, Davis and the players with the most trophies". The Sporting News. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Halo World Championship". World Snooker Tour. Archived from the original on 17 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
  7. ^ "World Snooker Championship in Sheffield". Sheffield City Council. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  8. ^ Sutcliffe, Steve (3 May 2022). "World Snooker Championship 2022: Ronnie O'Sullivan plays down record-equalling seventh title". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  9. ^ Millington, Sarah (2 February 2024). "Looking back to 1990: when Stephen Hendry became a snooker champion". News and Star. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  10. ^ Hammer, Chris (22 January 2024). "Ronnie O'Sullivan's career statistics and records as he targets an eighth World Snooker Championship title at the Crucible". Sporting Life. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  11. ^ "World Snooker Championship 2025: Ronnie O'Sullivan set for return". BBC Sport. 22 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Embassy World Championship". Snooker Scene. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  13. ^ "History of the World Snooker Championship". World Snooker Tour. 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  14. ^ "Halo returns as headline partner Of 2026 World Championship". World Snooker Tour. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  15. ^ "The perfect match: Halo partners with snooker's World Championship". World Snooker Tour. 25 March 2025. Archived from the original on 26 March 2025. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
  16. ^ "Calendar 2025/2026". snooker.org. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  17. ^ Sutcliffe, Steve (5 May 2025). "Zhao claims historic victory over Williams in Crucible final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  18. ^ a b Chowdhury, Tasnim (17 April 2025). "What is the Crucible curse at the World Snooker Championship?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  19. ^ "Crucible top 16 confirmed". World Snooker Tour. 31 March 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
  20. ^ "2026 World Championship qualifying tickets on sale now". World Snooker Tour. 25 February 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
  21. ^ Day, Michael (14 April 2026). "World Snooker Championship Qualifying 2026: Draw, results, format in Crucible race". Totally Snookered. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  22. ^ Emons, Michael (16 April 2026). "2026 World Snooker Championship draw: Ronnie O'Sullivan to play China's He Guoqiang in Crucible round one". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  23. ^ "World Snooker Championship 2026: Date, schedule, draw, how to watch, prize money, more". ESPN. 16 April 2026. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  24. ^ a b c d e f "World Snooker Championship 2026: Match schedule, seeds, BBC TV times and prize money". BBC Sport. 16 April 2026. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  25. ^ "How to watch Judgement Day". World Snooker Tour. 3 April 2026. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  26. ^ "How to watch the Halo World Championship". World Snooker Tour. 14 April 2025. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  27. ^ "147 Bonuses for 2026 Halo World Championship". World Snooker Tour. 2 April 2026. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  28. ^ "Huge 147 bonus chance starts at Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters". World Snooker Tour. 4 August 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  29. ^ "Majors 147 bonus extended to potential five payouts". World Snooker Tour. 19 April 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
  30. ^ a b c d e "Halo World Championship Qualifying day one: as it happened". World Snooker Tour. 6 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  31. ^ Botcherby, Elizabeth (7 April 2026). "Szubarczyk, 15, breaks World Championship record". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  32. ^ Day, Michael (5 April 2026). "Snooker legend White aiming to end twenty years of hurt with romantic Crucible return". Totally Snookered. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  33. ^ a b "Whelan downs former Crucible king Doherty". World Snooker Tour. 7 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  34. ^ "Halo World Championship qualifying: Day two as it happened". World Snooker Tour. 7 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  35. ^ a b "Halo World Championship qualifying day three: As it happened". World Snooker Tour. 8 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  36. ^ "Rejuvenated Clarke off to winning start". World Snooker Tour. 8 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  37. ^ a b c Huart, Matt (12 April 2026). "Halo World Championship 2026 | Tour Survival Blog". WPBSA. Retrieved 18 April 2026.
  38. ^ "Szubarczyk keeps Crucible dream alive". World Snooker Tour. 9 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  39. ^ "Halo World Championship qualifying day four: As it happened". World Snooker Tour. 9 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  40. ^ Day, Michael (9 April 2026). "Robert Milkins set to be relegated from pro ranks following Crucible qualifying loss". Totally Snookered. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  41. ^ a b c "Halo World Championship qualifying day five: as it happened". World Snooker Tour. 10 April 2026. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
  42. ^ Day, Michael (12 April 2026). "Snooker star upset after being docked frame exits World Championship in a decider". Totally Snookered. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  43. ^ "Fu survives epic Davies fightback". World Snooker Tour. 10 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  44. ^ a b c "Hill and Gilbert set up Judgement rematch". World Snooker Tour. 11 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  45. ^ a b c "Halo World Championship qualifying day six: live updates". World Snooker Tour. 11 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  46. ^ "Pullen set for Judgement Day". World Snooker Tour. 12 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  47. ^ a b Day, Michael (13 April 2026). "Anthony McGill stages wild comeback to keep Crucible qualification hopes intact". Totally Snookered. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  48. ^ a b "Magnificent Chang pockets bumper bonus". World Snooker Tour. 12 April 2026. Archived from the original on 12 April 2026. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
  49. ^ "Chang maximum breaks 147s record". World Snooker Tour. 24 November 2025. Archived from the original on 25 November 2025. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  50. ^ a b Day, Michael (13 April 2026). "Former Crucible champion Brecel springs into action with impressive qualifying win". Totally Snookered. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  51. ^ "Brecel outlasts Chang in classic". World Snooker Tour. 13 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  52. ^ a b "Pullen ahead – but misses 147 chance". World Snooker Tour. 14 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  53. ^ a b "Kowalski, Moody and Pullen earn Crucible debuts". World Snooker Tour. 14 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  54. ^ a b Emons, Michael (14 April 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: British teenager Stan Moody qualifies after discharging himself from hospital". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  55. ^ "World Snooker Championship: No practise, no problem for Stevens ahead of Crucible return". BBC Sport. 15 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  56. ^ "Brecel and Lisowski miss out on Crucible". World Snooker Tour. 15 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  57. ^ a b "Centuries: World Championship Qualifiers – 177". snookerinfo.co.uk. 15 April 2026. Archived from the original on 16 April 2026. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  58. ^ "The Crucible holds tribute to former player and commentator John Virgo". The Guardian. 18 April 2026. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  59. ^ a b c "Zhao takes first step in Crucible quest". World Snooker Tour. 18 April 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
  60. ^ a b c d Emons, Michael (18 April 2026). "World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong beats Liam Highfield in first round at Crucible". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
  61. ^ a b c Emons, Michael (19 April 2026). "2026 World Snooker Championship: Mark Allen recovers to beat Zhang Anda at Crucible". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  62. ^ a b "Fighting fit Allen hits Zhang for six". World Snooker Tour. 19 April 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
  63. ^ a b "Williams pulls ahead in Kowalski test". World Snooker Tour. 18 April 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
  64. ^ "Xiao surges past Zhou". World Snooker Tour. 19 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  65. ^ "Williams is Poles apart". World Snooker Tour. 19 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  66. ^ a b "Hawkins ends five-year Crucible drought". World Snooker Tour. 19 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  67. ^ "Ding sets up huge Zhao clash". World Snooker Tour. 20 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  68. ^ a b c d Emons, Michael (20 April 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: Kyren Wilson produces superb fightback to beat Stan Moody, 19". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  69. ^ a b "Higgins maintains first round winning streak". World Snooker Tour. 20 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  70. ^ Emons, Michael (20 April 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: Stan Moody, 19, leads 2024 champion Kyren Wilson at Crucible". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  71. ^ a b "Come-back Kyren gives Stan the Moody Blues". World Snooker Tour. 20 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  72. ^ a b "Wonderful Wu scores first Crucible win". World Snooker Tour. 21 April 2026. Retrieved 21 April 2026.
  73. ^ "Murphy: My best break ever". World Snooker Tour. 21 April 2026. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
  74. ^ a b c d Emons, Michael (21 April 2026). "Ronnie O'Sullivan in control against China's He Guoqiang in first round of World Snooker Championship". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
  75. ^ a b "Trump battles back to lead Wilson". World Snooker Tour. 21 April 2026. Retrieved 21 April 2026.
  76. ^ "Trump pulls away to down Wilson". World Snooker Tour. 21 April 2026. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
  77. ^ "Rocket pulls clear of debutant He". World Snooker Tour. 21 April 2026. Retrieved 21 April 2026.
  78. ^ "O'Sullivan sets up Higgins clash". World Snooker Tour. 22 April 2026. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
  79. ^ Emons, Michael (22 April 2026). "Ronnie O'Sullivan breezes through to set up John Higgins tie at World Snooker Championship". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
  80. ^ "Wakelin excited by new generation". World Snooker Tour. 22 April 2026. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
  81. ^ "Selby relieved to end Crucible losing streak". World Snooker Tour. 22 April 2026. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
  82. ^ "Si first seed to fall as Vafaei shines". World Snooker Tour. 23 April 2026. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
  83. ^ Ostlere, Lawrence (23 April 2026). "Neil Robertson set for fine after bizarre mistake at World Snooker Championship". The Independent. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
  84. ^ a b "Robertson victory completes opening round". World Snooker Tour. 23 April 2026. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
  85. ^ Emons, Michael (23 April 2026). "2026 World Snooker Championship: Neil Robertson victory equals Crucible seeds record". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
  86. ^ a b "Murphy crushes Xiao with a session to spare". World Snooker Tour. 24 April 2026. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
  87. ^ a b Emons, Michael (24 April 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: Shaun Murphy beats Xiao Guodong with session to spare". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
  88. ^ a b "Shaun Murphy secures weekend break after surging into Crucible quarter-finals". The Guardian. 24 April 2026. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  89. ^ a b "Allen leads Wilson ahead of final session". World Snooker Tour. 24 April 2026. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
  90. ^ "Pistol shoots down Warrior to make quarters". World Snooker Tour. 25 April 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
  91. ^ a b Emons, Michael (25 April 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: Mark Allen beats Kyren Wilson to reach quarter-finals". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
  92. ^ Emons, Michael (23 April 2026). "2026 World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong v Ding Junhui could break TV viewing records". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  93. ^ a b "Zhao establishes advantage over Ding". World Snooker Tour. 25 April 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
  94. ^ a b "Zhao prevails over Ding in clash of icons". World Snooker Tour. 26 April 2026. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
  95. ^ a b c d e Emons, Michael (26 April 2026). "Ronnie O'Sullivan-John Higgins last-16 tie set for thrilling finish at World Snooker Championship". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
  96. ^ "Hawkins grinds out big lead". World Snooker Tour. 24 April 2026. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
  97. ^ a b "Hawkins powers past Williams". World Snooker Tour. 25 April 2026. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
  98. ^ a b Emons, Michael (25 April 2026). "Ronnie O'Sullivan leads John Higgins; Mark Williams loses to Barry Hawkins at World Snooker Championship". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
  99. ^ a b "Robertson pulls clear of Wakelin". World Snooker Tour. 26 April 2026. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  100. ^ "Vafaei stuns Trump to reach quarters". World Snooker Tour. 27 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
  101. ^ a b c d Emons, Michael (27 April 2026). "John Higgins recovers to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in Crucible epic, but Judd Trump is eliminated". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  102. ^ "Robertson sets up Higgins quarter-final". World Snooker Tour. 27 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
  103. ^ Emons, Michael (24 April 2026). "Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins renew their rivalry at the 2026 World Snooker Championship". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  104. ^ a b "Higgins and O'Sullivan set for grandstand finish". World Snooker Tour. 26 April 2026. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  105. ^ "John Higgins rallies to keep Ronnie O'Sullivan in his sights at Crucible". The Guardian. 26 April 2026. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  106. ^ "Higgins ends O'Sullivan's bid for eighth world snooker title in final-frame thriller". The Guardian. 27 April 2026. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  107. ^ "Higgins beats O'Sullivan with huge fight-back". World Snooker Tour. 27 April 2026. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  108. ^ "Wu scores first win over Selby to make quarters". World Snooker Tour. 27 April 2026. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  109. ^ a b "Murphy comes from 3–0 down to lead Zhao". World Snooker Tour. 28 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
  110. ^ a b Sutcliffe, Steven (28 April 2026). "World Championship 2026: Zhao Xintong lets early lead slip as Shaun Murphy fights back to take control". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
  111. ^ a b c d Sutcliffe, Steven (28 April 2026). "World Championship 2026: Defending champion Zhao Xintong fights back against Shaun Murphy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
  112. ^ a b "Allen makes 700th ton in Hawkins battle". World Snooker Tour. 28 April 2026. Archived from the original on 29 April 2026. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
  113. ^ a b c d e Sutcliffe, Steve (29 April 2026). "World Championship 2026: Shaun Murphy dashes Zhao Xintong's hopes of lifting Crucible curse". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
  114. ^ Caulfield, David (29 April 2026). "Majestic Shaun Murphy inflicts Curse of the Crucible on Zhao Xintong". SnookerHQ. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
  115. ^ a b "Magician casts spell as Crucible curse strikes again". World Snooker Tour. 29 April 2026. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
  116. ^ "Hawkins error leaves Allen in the pink". World Snooker Tour. 29 April 2026. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
  117. ^ a b "Robertson goes 5–3 up on Higgins". World Snooker Tour. 28 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
  118. ^ a b "Higgins overcomes Robertson to make semis". World Snooker Tour. 29 April 2026. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  119. ^ "Sensation Wu into semi-finals". World Snooker Tour. 29 April 2026. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
  120. ^ a b Day, Michael (30 April 2026). "What are the semi-finals at the 2026 World Snooker Championship: Preview and stats". Totally Snookered. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  121. ^ a b "Higgins and Murphy locked at 8–8". World Snooker Tour. 1 May 2026. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
  122. ^ "Higgins and Murphy all square". World Snooker Tour. 30 April 2026. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  123. ^ a b "World Championship 2026: John Higgins battles back in semi-final with Shaun Murphy, Wu Yize leads Mark Allen". BBC Sport. 30 April 2026. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  124. ^ a b "Wu Yize power is undiminished against Mark Allen after 15-minute blackout". The Guardian. 30 April 2026. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  125. ^ a b Sutcliffe, Steve (1 May 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: John Higgins & Shaun Murphy locked at 8–8 after second session of semi-final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
  126. ^ a b "Mark Allen and Wu Yize all square after record 100-minute frame at Crucible". The Guardian. 1 May 2026. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
  127. ^ "Higgins takes step towards Crucible final". World Snooker Tour. 1 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  128. ^ Sutcliffe, Steve (1 May 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: John Higgins gains slender semi-final lead over Shaun Murphy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  129. ^ a b c Sutcliffe, Steve (2 May 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026 results: Shaun Murphy powers past John Higgins to reach Crucible final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  130. ^ "Murphy into fifth Crucible final". World Snooker Tour. 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  131. ^ "Wu in the groove with 6–2 lead". World Snooker Tour. 30 April 2026. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  132. ^ Squires, Neil (1 May 2026). "Longest-ever frame at Crucible but Wu Yize edges closer to history". The Times. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  133. ^ "Allen fights back as new longest frame record set". World Snooker Tour. 1 May 2026. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
  134. ^ Ostlere, Lawrence (1 May 2026). "'Embarrassment': Pundits fume as Allen and Wu play longest frame in Crucible history". The Independent. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  135. ^ "Wu and Allen remain all square". World Snooker Tour. 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  136. ^ Sutcliffe, Steve (2 May 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: Wu Yize & Mark Allen set up thrilling finale to semi-final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  137. ^ "Wu beats Allen in dramatic semi-final". World Snooker Tour. 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  138. ^ a b "Allen 'devastated' after missed black as Wu faces Murphy in world snooker final". The Guardian. 2 May 2026. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  139. ^ a b "Match: Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize". World Snooker Tour. 4 May 2026. Archived from the original on 5 May 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  140. ^ "Wu v Murphy: Tale Of The Tape". World Snooker Tour. 3 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  141. ^ Day, Michael (3 May 2026). "Who is playing in the 2026 World Championship final: Murphy v Allen match preview". Totally Snookered. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  142. ^ a b "Spencer to referee maiden Crucible final". World Snooker Tour. 5 March 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  143. ^ Gilzene, Richard (4 May 2026). World Snooker Championship final halted by OnlyFans model in bizarre BBC protest. Retrieved 4 May 2026 – via The Independent.
  144. ^ Hopkins, Jessica (4 May 2026). "World Snooker final disrupted by OnlyFans model's anti-BBC protest a day after 'Epstein files' outburst". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  145. ^ a b Sutcliffe, Steve (3 May 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: Wu Yize in control of Crucible final against Shaun Murphy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  146. ^ "Murphy and Wu locked level". World Snooker Tour. 3 May 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  147. ^ "The Final: Frame by frame". World Snooker Tour. 3 May 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  148. ^ "Wu leads Murphy overnight". World Snooker Tour. 3 May 2026. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  149. ^ "Wu rallies to secure narrow lead". World Snooker Tour. 4 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  150. ^ Sutcliffe, Steve (4 May 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: Wu Yize holds off Shaun Murphy fightback to retain slender lead in final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  151. ^ a b c "Wu rules the world after classic Crucible final". World Snooker Tour. 4 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  152. ^ a b Sutcliffe, Steve (4 May 2026). "World Snooker Championship 2026: Wu Yize beats Shaun Murphy in decider to become second youngest Crucible champion". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  153. ^ "Rankings 2025/2026 - snooker.org". www.snooker.org. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  154. ^ Spiers, Tim (4 May 2026). "Wu Yize becomes second-youngest snooker world champion after 10-hour match". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  155. ^ "2026 Halo World Championship". snooker.org. 4 May 2026. Archived from the original on 4 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  156. ^ "Halo World Championship 2026 matches". World Snooker Tour. 4 May 2026. Archived from the original on 5 May 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  157. ^ "2026 Halo World Championship Flowchart". snooker.org. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
  158. ^ "2026 World Championship qualifiers". snooker.org. 16 April 2026. Archived from the original on 16 April 2026. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  159. ^ "Halo World Championship 2026 qualifying matches". World Snooker Tour. 15 April 2026. Archived from the original on 16 April 2026. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  160. ^ "Centuries: World Championship – 81". snookerinfo.co.uk. 4 May 2026. Archived from the original on 5 May 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  161. ^ Årdalen, Hermund (15 April 2026). "Snooker World Records". snooker.org. Archived from the original on 16 April 2026. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
[edit]
  • Official website
  • Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to the 2026 World Snooker Championship at Wikimedia Commons
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2026_World_Snooker_Championship&oldid=1353427734"