Key Takeaways
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Four elite snooker stars advance to the 2026 Players Championship semi‑finals.
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John Higgins meets world No. 1 Judd Trump in the first semi, while Zhao Xintong faces Mark Allen.
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Matches are scheduled for Saturday afternoon and evening at the Telford International Centre.
Tournament Context: What’s Happening
The 2026 Sportsbet.io Players Championship is unfolding at the Telford International Centre in England, featuring the top 16 players based on this season’s one‑year rankings. The event is part of the World Snooker Tour and stands as one of the key ranking tournaments of the season.
At the semi‑final stage, four of the season’s most accomplished players remain, including former champions and the reigning world champion.
Semi‑Final Matchups & Preview
John Higgins vs Judd Trump — Saturday, 13:00 GMT
Two snooker giants renew their rivalry when four‑time world champion John Higgins faces world No. 1 Judd Trump. Their history goes back over a decade, including multiple high‑stakes meetings. Higgins earned his spot through impressive wins, including victories over Neil Robertson and Chris Wakelin, while Trump reached the semi‑finals with a strong 6‑3 quarter‑final performance.
Expect a tactical battle: Higgins’s experience and consistency versus Trump’s high‑tempo aggression. Trump recently ended a title drought with victory at the German Masters, underscoring his elite form this season.
What to watch: momentum swings, break‑building accuracy, and the psychological edge in deciding frames.
Zhao Xintong vs Mark Allen — Saturday, 19:00 GMT
In the evening session, Zhao Xintong — the reigning world champion — meets Mark Allen, a previous Players Championship winner. Zhao enters this match off strong recent form, including a comeback from a first‑round deficit and a convincing quarter‑final win over Shaun Murphy.
Allen’s route to the semis saw wins against Wu Yize and Mark Selby, easing pressure as he seeks to build on his own ranking success. The pair’s head‑to‑head history leans slightly in Zhao’s favor, with his most recent victory coming at the 2025 Champion of Champions.
Key storyline: defending champion momentum vs proven ranking event pedigree.
Schedule & Watching Info
The semi‑finals take place on Saturday 21 February with two sessions:
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Afternoon: Higgins vs Trump (from 13:00 GMT)
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Evening: Zhao vs Allen (from 19:00 GMT)
Broadcast and streaming options vary by territory, with coverage typically available in the UK and Europe via major sports networks and online platforms.
What This Means
With the Players Championship now in its closing stages, the semis pit experience against form and big‑match temperament against raw talent. The outcomes here will shape not just this tournament’s final but could influence confidence and momentum heading into the next major ranking events of the snooker season.
FAQ
Who’s the reigning world champion in the 2026 Players Championship?
Zhao Xintong holds the current World Snooker Championship title and is among the semi‑finalists.
How are semi‑final match times scheduled?
Matches are set for Saturday afternoon (13:00 GMT) and evening (19:00 GMT).
Where is the event taking place?
The semis are at the Telford International Centre in England, hosting one of snooker’s elite ranking tournaments.
