World Open Snooker 2026 Predictions: Wizard to go back-to-back in Yushan?

Betfred Snooker Tipster and ex-professional Craig Edwards @EdwardsTips_ previews this week’s ranking event, the World Open in Yushan.

Craig has four selections to get stuck into including the defending champion. Here are his World Open Predictions...

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History, Location and Format

This week marks the final ranking event accessible to all professional players prior to the culmination of the season with the World Championship in April.

With a winner's prize of £175,000, this tournament may significantly influence both World Championship seedings and the selection of the top 12 players in the one-year rankings who will qualify for the lucrative Tour Championships ahead of the World Championship.

For over two decades, Yushan has been a prominent venue for snooker competitions and will host the World Open for the sixth time this year. Established in the United Kingdom in 1982, the World Open relocated to China in 2016.

The tournament format consists of best-of-nine-frame matches until the semi-finals, which are played as best-of-eleven frames, culminating in a best-of-nineteen-frame final to determine the 2026 World Open champion.

Prize Money

World Open Odds

The Great Scot could be determined to defend in Yushan

1 pt John Higgins each-way (1/2 - 2 Places) @ 10/1

John Higgins has demonstrated impressive form throughout the season, echoing his dominance from years past. Few players are as resilient in matches, and he has repeatedly highlighted this quality through momentum-shifting clearances. When the fifty-year-old Scotsman’s confidence dipped, those critical moments were often where he faltered, but with renewed self-assurance, Higgins is once again near the pinnacle of his sport.

Last year’s tournament marked a turning point for Higgins, as he claimed victory over Joe O’Connor in the final—an essential foundation for his resurgence. Despite not winning a tournament this season, Higgins’ strong consistency has brought him three runner-up finishes, two semi-final appearances, and another three quarter-final placements.

Notably, the competitors have just come off an unusual two-week break since the Welsh Open, where Higgins finished second to Barry Hawkins. This rest could be just what Higgins needs to boost his chances at the World Open.

Is Jackson ready to turn the Page?

0.5 pts Jackson Page each way (1/2 - 2 Places) @ 50/1

Is it possible that we will see a fresh champion at this week's ranking tournament? Jackson Page has achieved many of his standout results throughout his early career in China, which suits his attacking style of snooker.

Like his mentor and close friend Mark Williams, Page is remarkably relaxed—a trait that bodes well for a lengthy career. Though he is already experienced highs and lows, his best showing came two years ago when he reached the semi-finals at this venue.

At the recent Welsh Open on home turf, impressive wins over Chang Bingu and Luca Brecel took Page into the last 16, boosting his confidence; rumours suggest he has been performing brilliantly in practice.

As the World Open unfolds this week, there's a chance Jackson Page could showcase his ability and claim his first ranking title.

Quarter 4 looks wide open

1 pt Ali Carter each way (1/2 - 2 Places) @ 16/1

In an unusual turn, we have two picks in quarter four as we look to capitalise on the late withdrawals of Mark Selby and Barry Hawkins.

Both selected players have a strong connection with Yushan, and first up is Ali Carter, who won the tournament there in 2016. It’s been a particularly inconsistent season for "the captain," with numerous early exits, but when he hits his stride in a competition, he tends to advance far.

For instance, he reached the Shanghai Masters final at the start of the season and made it to the German Masters semi-finals a couple of months ago. This demonstrates that his form is solid, and returning to a city and event where he has previously triumphed can only boost his confidence.

Just as with the German Masters, there’s every chance he could claim a second victory here, especially since his route to the semi-finals is notably easier without Selby and Hawkins in contention.

0.5 pts Thepchaiya un-Nooh each way (1/2 - 2 Places) @ 66/1

The other player we are supporting in this section has shown an extraordinary connection with Yushan and its surroundings over many years. Not only was he a finalist in this event in 2019—when I backed and tipped him each-way at 125/1—but he has also either won or reached the final of several non-ranking competitions held in the region during the past twenty years.

The Thai star Thepchaiya un-Nooh is one of the sport’s most unpredictable talents, possessing as much raw ability as anyone who has ever played. The challenge has always been to harness that talent, and it may remain so. However, this is the one event and venue where we can confidently place our bets on him, knowing there’s potential for a huge reward.

Check out the rest of our Snooker Betting Tips over at Betfred Insights.