THE Players Championship in Telford sees many of the world’s top players face off in one of snooker’s marquee ranking events.
The tournament has the top-16 from the one-year rankings compete, but there are some notable names missing.
Kyren Wilson won this tournament last yearCredit: Getty
Judd Trump comes into this tournament as the world No1Credit: Getty
Despite winning this tournament last year after beating 10-9 in a thrilling final, will not be defending his title in Telford after dropping to 22nd in the one-year standings.
, who has fallen out of the top 10, will also not be competing after he failed to confirm his participation by the deadline – meaning his old rival will feature instead.
Trump will return looking to bounce back from his agonising defeat in the final-frame decider last year.
World champion Zhao Xintong sealed his place in Telford after with a win over Zhang Anda in Hong Kong.
The reigning UK champion will also be competing as he looks to add a Players Championship trophy to his long list of honours.
When is the Players Championship 2026?
- The tournament got underway on Tuesday, February 17.
- The final of the tournament will be played on Sunday, February 22.
- It will be played at the Telford International Centre.
What TV channel is the Players Championship on and can it be live streamed?
- For the first time, the tournament will be broadcast FREE on Channel 5.
- The event will also be streamed live on the 5 app/website.
Players Championship 2026 schedule
Tuesday, February 17
From 1pm GMT
- Neil Robertson 1-6 John Higgins
- Wu Yize 3-6 Mark Allen
From 7pm GMT
- Mark Selby 6-3 Jack Lisowski
- Chris Wakelin vs Xiao Guodong
Wednesday, February 18
From 1pm GMT
- Judd Trump vs Zhou Yuelong
- Shaun Murphy vs Zhang Anda
From 7pm GMT
- Mark Williams vs Barry Hawkins
- Zhao Xintong vs Elliott Slessor
Thursday, February 19 – Quarter-finals
- 1pm GMT: match TBC
- 7pm GMT: match TBC
Friday, February 20 – Quarter-finals
- 1pm GMT: match TBC
- 7pm GMT: match TBC
Saturday, February 21 – Semi-finals
- 1pm GMT: match TBC
- 7pm GMT: match TBC
Sunday, February 22 – Final
- 1pm and 7pm: Match TBC
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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