World Open Snooker 2026 Friday: Prize money, today's quarter-final order of play, how to watch, odds, when is Ronnie O'Sullivan playing next?

It’s the fifth day of play for the world’s best snooker players in China - by the end of the day we’ll know our semi-finalists.

Taking place under a number of names over the years, with different venues and formats, the World Open snooker championship was originally established as the Professional Players Tournament in 1982.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is in action today.placeholder image
Ronnie O'Sullivan is in action today. | AFP via Getty Images

Later known as the Grand Prix and the LG Cup, it became the World Open in 2010.

Since 2016 it has been held in the Chinese city of Yushan, with former champions including Mark Williams, Ali Carter, Ding Junhui and Judd Trump.

And last year saw Scotland’s John Higgins lift the trophy after defeating Joe O'Connor 10‍–‍6 in the final - becoming the second oldest winner of a ranking event in history (after Ray Reardon).

He returned to defend his title but was knocked out in the second round by England’s Stan Moody.

But the field still includes Ronnie O’Sullivan - with the Rocket returning after missing several events and now into the quarter-finals after a win over Shaun Murphy.

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening today - Friday, March 20.

When is the 2026 World Open snooker?

The tournament takes place from March 16-22 at the Yushan Sport Centre in Yushan, China.

How much does the World Open 2026 champion win?

There's a prize pot of £825,000 up for grabs, broken down as follows:

  • Last 64: £5,000
  • Last 32: £9,000
  • Last 16: £14,000
  • Quarter-final: £22,000
  • Semi-final: £33,000
  • Runner-up: £75,000
  • Winner: £175,000
  • Highest break: £5,000

What is the order of play today at the World Open snooker?

Here’s when all the quarter matches will be played today, Friday, March 20, over two sessions.

6am start

  • Ryan Day v Ronnie O'Sullivan
  • Mark Allen v Wu Yize

11.30am start

  • Judd Trump v Hossein Vafaei
  • Thepchaiya Un-Nooh v Gary Wilson

How can I watch the World Open on television?

The World Open will be broadcast live on TNT Sport. The channel is available as part of packages with BT Sport, Sky Sports, Virgin Media Stream and Discovery Plus. You can also access TNT Sport via Discovery Plus on your Amazon Prime Video account or just watch on the Discovery Plus website. It costs from £30.99 per month.

What is the schedule for the 2026 World Open?

Here’s whan all the action will be happening:

  • Monday, March 16: Round 1 (Best-of-nine frames)
  • Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17: Round 2 (Best-of-nine frames)
  • Wednesday, March 18: Round 3 (Best-of-nine frames)
  • Thursday, March 19: Round 4 (Best-of-nine frames)
  • Friday, March 20: Quarter-finals (Best-of-nine frames)
  • Saturday, March 21: Semi-finals (Best-of-11 frames)
  • Sunday, March 22: Final (Best-of-19 frames)

When is Ronnie O'Sullivan playing next?

Ronnie O'Sullivan will be playing his quarter-final match against Ryan Day at 6am today (Friday, March 20). It promises to be a match worth getting up early for.

Who is favourite to win the World Open 2026?

Judd Trump is the 13/10 favourite, followed Ronnie OSullivan (3/1), Wu Yize (11/2) and Mark Allen 15/2).

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