Taiyuan Welcomes Snooker's Biggest Stars as China Open 2026 Officially Begins
Taiyuan officially became the home of world snooker on Saturday as the China Open 2026 was launched with a spectacular opening ceremony ahead of the tournament’s return to the World Snooker Tour calendar. The capital of China’s Shanxi Province welcomed the world’s biggest stars with a red-carpet event, traditional cultural performances, official speeches and thousands of local fans celebrating one of the sport’s most prestigious ranking tournaments.
Snooker stars take to the red carpet
The opening ceremony featured many of the biggest names in world snooker, including:
- Neil Robertson – defending China Open champion and Triple Crown winner;
- Wu Yize – reigning World Champion and one of China’s newest sporting heroes;
- Judd Trump – world No. 1 and recent Shanghai Masters 2026 champion;
- Ronnie O’Sullivan – seven-time World Champion returning to compete in China;
- Zhao Xintong – 2025 World Champion and world No. 2;
- Shaun Murphy – 2026 World Championship finalist;
- Mark Williams – three-time World Champion;
- Mark Selby – four-time World Champion;
- Kyren Wilson – 2024 World Champion;
- Ding Junhui – the player widely credited with transforming snooker in China.
Following the red-carpet arrivals, players and guests enjoyed a colourful cultural performance showcasing the traditions of Shanxi Province before tournament officials formally declared the event open.
Jason Ferguson welcomes the return of the China Open
WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson described the tournament’s return as an important milestone for the sport.
“Today marks a landmark moment for our sport as we celebrate the return of one of snooker’s most prestigious and historic tournaments. After a six-year absence, the China Open resumes its rightful place on the World Snooker Tour calendar, reaffirming its status as China’s flagship snooker event and one of the highlights of our international season.”
Ferguson also reflected on the tournament’s importance in the growth of snooker across China.
“The history of this tournament is woven into the modern history of our sport. Few sporting moments have had the lasting impact of Ding Junhui’s unforgettable victory at the 2005 China Open. His triumph inspired millions, transformed the landscape of snooker and ignited a passion for the game that continues to flourish throughout China. That remarkable achievement opened the door for a new generation of Chinese talent and helped establish China as one of the true homes of world snooker.”
Speaking about the tournament’s new venue, Ferguson praised Taiyuan’s commitment to the sport.
“It is especially fitting that the China Open has found a new home here in Taiyuan. This dynamic city has embraced our sport with tremendous enthusiasm and vision. The outstanding venue, exceptional organisation and growing snooker culture make Taiyuan a superb stage for an event of this magnitude. We are proud to bring the world’s best players to Shanxi Province for the first time, and I am certain this city will create many unforgettable memories in the years ahead.”
A new chapter in Taiyuan
After several years away from the calendar, the China Open returns in a brand-new location. Rather than returning to Beijing, where the tournament was previously held, the event has moved to Taiyuan, making it the city’s first major World Snooker Tour ranking tournament.
The Riverside Sports Centre will host the competition, providing a modern venue designed to stage major international sporting events while introducing elite snooker to a new region of China. The move also reflects the continued expansion of snooker throughout the country, with the sport now reaching far beyond its traditional strongholds.
Ding Junhui comes full circle
Among all the players attending the ceremony, Ding Junhui’s appearance carried particular significance. His memorable victory at the 2005 China Open remains one of the defining moments in the history of Chinese snooker. That success inspired an entire generation of players and helped establish China as one of the sport’s global powerhouses.
Twenty-one years later, Ding returned to celebrate the tournament’s revival alongside today’s leading Chinese stars, including reigning world champion Wu Yize and former world champion Zhao Xintong—a powerful reminder of how far Chinese snooker has come since his breakthrough triumph.
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