World Open Snooker 2026 | Day Two Preview and Order of Play
Zhao is eyeing a third ranking title in the space of two months (Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News)
Zhao Xintong headlines Tuesday’s action at the World Open, with Judd Trump and John Higgins also featuring in Yushan.
World champion Zhao made a strong start to his quest for a third ranking title in the space of four years, hitting back-to-back centuries during a 5-0 whitewash of compatriot Han Fuyuan.
The Cyclone – fresh from claiming successive ranking silverware at the World Grand Prix and Players Championship last month – appears to be hitting form at just the right time, with the defence of his Crucible crown now just around the corner.
Next up for him is a showdown with another Chinese opponent in Long Zehuang – the player he beat in the opening qualifying round on the way to his historic triumph in Sheffield last year.
Meanwhile, world number one Trump began his tilt at a second World Open title with a top break of 129 to cap a commanding 5-1 win over Mark Lloyd.
Next up for the 2019 winner is Florian Nuessle, while reigning champion Higgins faces an interesting battle against teenager Stan Moody.
There are three other former World Open champions in action on Tuesday. Two-time victor Mark Allen plays Antoni Kowalski, with Mark Williams and Ali Carter taking on Ricky Walden and Martin O’Donnell respectively.
Masters champion Kyren Wilson locks horns with Lyu Haotian, as International Championship winner Wu Yize goes head to head with Scottish Open runner-up Chang Bingyu in an intriguing all-Chinese battle.
Wuhan Open winner Xiao Guodong faces Julien Leclercq and Marco Fu – Grand Prix champion in 2007 – takes on Iulian Boiko. The day’s other matches see Jackson Page do battle with Liu Wenwei, and Gary Wilson play Aaron Hill.
Play gets under way at 1.30am GMT (9.30am local time) on Tuesday, with all matches contested over the best of nine frames at Yushan Sport Centre.
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World Open 2026 Schedule of Play
All times GMT (local time +8 hours)
Tuesday March 17
Round One
1.30am
Julien Leclercq v Xiao Guodong
Chang Bingyu v Wu Yize
Lyu Haotian v Kyren Wilson
Liu Wenwei v Jackson Page
Mark Allen v Antoni Kowalski
6am
Judd Trump v Florian Nuessle
Ali Carter v Martin O’Donnell
Steven Hallworth v Zhang Anda
Marco Fu v Iulian Boiko
John Higgins v Stan Moody
11.30am
Long Zehuang v Zhao Xintong
Aaron Hill v Gary Wilson
Ricky Walden v Mark Williams
Yao Pengcheng v Sam Craigie