Players Championship Snooker 2026: Elite Tournament Kicks Off in Telford
The prestigious Players Championship snooker tournament commences on Tuesday at the Telford International Centre, featuring an exclusive field of the top 16 performers from the current season. This elite event operates on the one-year ranking system, ensuring only the most in-form players compete, with just five participants not having claimed tournament victories this campaign.
Star-Studded Field with Notable Absences and Debutants
Ronnie O'Sullivan initially qualified but has withdrawn from the competition, creating an opportunity for John Higgins to enter the draw. This development sets up a blockbuster first-round encounter between Higgins and Neil Robertson. In a surprising turn, reigning champion Kyren Wilson failed to qualify for title defense, currently positioned 22nd in the one-year rankings due to his Masters and Shanghai Masters triumphs being non-ranking events.
The tournament boasts an exceptional lineup featuring former champions Judd Trump, Higgins, Robertson, Shaun Murphy, and Mark Allen, all aiming to reclaim the trophy. Players like Zhao Xintong and Mark Selby arrive in excellent form following recent tournament victories, positioning them as strong contenders despite never having won this particular championship.
Elliot Slessor makes his Players Championship debut at age 31, having qualified for the first time while still pursuing his initial ranking final appearance after reaching five semi-finals previously.
Tournament Schedule and Broadcasting Details
The Players Championship runs from February 17-22 at the Telford International Centre, with afternoon sessions beginning at 1pm and evening sessions at 7pm daily.
Channel 5 becomes the new broadcast home for the tournament this year, taking over from ITV. Coverage begins thirty minutes before each session at 12:30pm for afternoon matches and 6:30pm for evening contests. Afternoon sessions air on Channel 5, while evening sessions start on Channel 5 before transitioning to 5Action at 8pm, except from Friday onward when coverage remains on Channel 5 throughout the evening.
5Action is available on Freeview channel 33, Sky 150, Freesat 132, and Virgin Media 150. Table Two matches can be viewed through the Channel 5 app and via a dedicated Snooker Players Championship channel available on the Live TV rail starting at 12:30pm on February 17 and 18.
Complete Tournament Draw and Schedule
Tuesday February 17
- 1pm: Neil Robertson vs John Higgins
- 1pm: Wu Yize vs Mark Allen
- 7pm: Chris Wakelin vs Xiao Guodong
- 7pm: Mark Selby vs Jack Lisowski
Wednesday February 18
- 1pm: Judd Trump vs Zhou Yuelong
- 1pm: Shaun Murphy vs Zhang Anda
- 7pm: Mark Williams vs Barry Hawkins
- 7pm: Zhao Xintong vs Elliot Slessor
Thursday & Friday: Quarter-finals at 1pm and 7pm
Saturday: Semi-finals at 1pm and 7pm
Sunday: Final at 1pm and 7pm
Prize Money Distribution
The Players Championship offers substantial financial rewards:
- Winner: £150,000
- Runner-up: £70,000
- Semi-finalists: £35,000 each
- Quarter-finalists: £25,000 each
- Last 16: £15,000 each
- Highest break: £10,000
Tournament Odds and Betting Favorites
Judd Trump leads as the betting favorite at 11/4, followed closely by Zhao Xintong at 9/2 and Mark Selby at 11/2. Other notable contenders include Neil Robertson at 13/2, with Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy both at 9/1. John Higgins stands at 14/1, while debutant Elliot Slessor represents the longest odds at 66/1.
Recent Championship History
The Players Championship has produced memorable finals in recent years:
- 2025: Kyren Wilson defeated Judd Trump 10-9
- 2024: Mark Allen beat Zhang Anda 10-8
- 2023: Shaun Murphy triumphed over Ali Carter 10-4
- 2022: Neil Robertson won against Barry Hawkins 10-5
- 2021: John Higgins defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-3
The tournament promises exceptional snooker action as the world's top players compete for one of the season's most prestigious titles and substantial prize money, with comprehensive coverage available across Channel 5 platforms throughout the week-long competition.
