Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best

  1. Home
  2. City Centre
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026 Manchester

This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again – and there are some big names on show.

Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.

These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.

Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.

Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.

Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.

Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.

Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.

It also comes fresh after the much-welcomed news over in Yorkshire, as it was confirmed that the World Snooker Championships are staying in Sheffield.

With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.

Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.

There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.

The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.

Credit: The Manc

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group

Exit mobile version