🎱 English Open 2026: Last 16 Set for a Night of High-Stakes Snooker
The BetVictor English Open 2026 has reached a crucial stage, with the Round of 16 now confirmed following a dramatic night of Round of 32 action. Several of snooker’s biggest names survived difficult encounters, while a number of emerging players continued to make their mark on the tournament.
Judd Trump produced a composed performance to defeat Ashley Carty 4–1, setting up a mouth-watering last-16 meeting with Anthony McGill. McGill booked his place with a convincing 4–1 victory over Fan Zhengyi, giving the former world number one a potentially challenging test as the race for the title intensifies.
Kyren Wilson was pushed all the way by China’s Zhang Bingyi, eventually prevailing 4–3 in a tense deciding frame. His reward is another major challenge against Mark Selby, who will be looking to use his experience and tactical game to progress into the quarter-finals.
There was also an impressive showing from Liam Davies, who defeated Wang Xinbo 4–1. He now faces Wu Yize, who advanced in equally emphatic fashion with a 4–1 win over Qi Si. The all-important clash promises to be an intriguing battle between two players eager to establish themselves on the big stage.
Elsewhere, Ali Carter swept aside Robbie Williams 4–0 and will meet China’s Gong Chenzhi, who eliminated Luo Zetao 4–1. Shaun Murphy also impressed, recording a 4–0 victory over Jamie Clarke before facing Pang Junxu, who edged Ross Muir 4–3.
The evening also delivered a tight contest between Mark Williams and Matthew Selt, with Williams eventually securing a 4–3 victory. He now faces fellow Englishman Barry Hawkins in another intriguing last-16 encounter.
With every match played over a best-of-seven format, there is little room for error. The remaining players are now just three victories away from the final, with the £100,000 champion’s prize providing an enormous incentive.
The stage is set, the pressure is rising, and the English Open is entering its most exciting phase yet. Among the headline clashes is an all-English heavyweight encounter between Mark Selby and Kyren Wilson, a match that promises to be a battle of patience, precision and nerve.
Wilson had to survive a major scare in the previous round, edging China’s Zhang Bingyi 4–3 in a deciding-frame thriller. The victory showed Wilson’s resilience, but he now faces an entirely different challenge in the form of Selby.
Known for his tactical intelligence, relentless safety play and ability to thrive under pressure, Selby will be determined to turn the match into a battle of attrition. Wilson, meanwhile, will need to produce his best attacking snooker while maintaining his composure against one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
