Huge clashes ahead at Sportsbet.io Players Championship

[World Snooker Tour]

It has been a dramatic first round at the 2026 Sportsbet.io Players Championship. The opening matches produced plenty of drama as Judd Trump set the tone with a clinical 6-0 whitewash of Zhou Yuelong, reminding everyone why he is World Number One. World Champion Zhao Xintong also made it through his opening match, coming back from 5-2 down to edge Elliot Slessor in a gripping deciding frame. Meanwhile Shaun Murphy was back on top form, cruising past Zhang Anda 6-1 and John Higgins saw off Neil Robertson 6-1 with a trio of big breaks to reach his 155th ranking event quarter-final. With 39 Triple Crown titles amongst them it is shaping up to be a tournament to remember… The match schedule for the Quarter-finals is confirmed and is as follows:                 Thursday 19 Feb, 1pm- John Higgins v Chris Wakelin Thursday 19 Feb, 7pm- Judd Trump v Mark Williams Friday 20 Feb, 1pm- Zhao Xintong v Shaun Murphy Friday 20 Feb, 7pm- Mark Allen v Mark Selby                         With any one of these matches worthy of a final at the Crucible don't miss your chance to watch the pinnacle of snooker at its best value. BOX OFFICE Don't miss a moment of this all-star tournament with 5. This is the first time that 5 will broadcast the highest level of snooker events featuring the world’s greatest players. Huge news for snooker fans as these events will remain on free-to-air television across the UK! Make sure you follow the drama to 5action when it switches across later in the evenings. Watch the coverage live from 12.30pm. Not in the UK? Find out where to watch below. WHERE TO WATCH Unsubscribe Take Time to Think. Betting can be addictive - please gamble responsibly. For more advice and support, visit Gambleaware.org.