Battle for Glory Begins: Mark Selby Defends Title as O’Sullivan and Trump Withdraw from BetVictor Welsh Open 2026
The BetVictor Welsh Open 2026 is set to take place from February 23 to March 1, 2026, at the stunning Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Wales. As part of the prestigious Home Nations Series, this ranking event is always a highlight in the snooker calendar. With a total prize fund of £550,400, the competition will see the world’s top 32 players battle it out for the ultimate glory, with a winner’s prize of £100,000 on the line.
Mark Selby, the defending champion, will be looking to retain his title after his thrilling victory in 2025. In that final, Selby triumphed over Stephen Maguire with a 9-6 scoreline, securing his third Welsh Open win. Maguire, the runner-up last year, will undoubtedly be hungry for revenge as he looks to go one step further this time around.
However, the tournament won’t be without its fair share of challenges and surprises. Some of the sport’s biggest stars will be missing from the lineup this year, as both Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump have withdrawn from the event, leaving a gap at the top of the draw. This opens up the field to other contenders who could seize the opportunity to make a deep run. According to social media insights from Jaz Li, many are speculating that Chinese player Zhao Xintong may not be at his best after a physically demanding schedule and recovery from illness. If he participates, it’s suggested that he may only go as far as the third round before deciding to conserve his energy for bigger events ahead, particularly the World Championship.
With a number of strong competitors still in the mix, including John Higgins, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, and Neil Robertson, as well as the possibility of a dark horse emerging from the field, this year’s Welsh Open promises to be a captivating spectacle. Chinese players, in particular, have been making their mark in recent years, and with the absence of O’Sullivan and Trump, this may be the perfect opportunity for one of them to claim the title. It’s sure to be a tournament filled with high drama and plenty of twists, and snooker fans worldwide will be eagerly watching every frame.
The competition is expected to heat up from the very first match, as players from all over the globe aim for their share of the £550,400 prize fund. As the Last 32 players wait to make their mark, the excitement will only intensify, with the likes of Higgins, Selby, Murphy, and Robertson aiming for their place in the final. Who will emerge as the Welsh Open champion? Only time will tell. Keep an eye on the action, as this thrilling tournament unfolds over the next week!
