International Championship Snooker 2026: Wu Yize Defends His Title

The 2026 International Championship starts in Nanjing, China on 31 October. Defending champion and reigning world champion Wu Yize opens against Hammad Miah, with £175,000 for the winner. Here is a quick preview: the draw, the prize money, the opening-round clashes and the players to watch at this ranking event, which runs 31 October to 7 November 2026. KEY FACTS Dates: 31 October to 7 November 2026 Venue: SNC National Fitness Center, Nanjing, China Prize fund: £825,000 (winner £175,000, runner-up £75,000) Format: best of 11 frames to the quarter-finals, best of 17 semi-finals, best of 19 final Defending champion: Wu Yize, who beat John Higgins 10-6 in the 2025 final OPENING-ROUND TIES TO WATCH Jimmy White v Mark Selby Neil Robertson v Jiang Jun Kyren Wilson v Liam Highfield Wu Yize v Hammad Miah (held-over qualifier; the winner plays Robbie Williams) Not playing: Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Allen, Shaun Murphy, Barry Hawkins and Luca Brecel have withdrawn. Who do you think will lift the trophy in Nanjing? Tell me in the comments. Daily updates all week on Snooker Pedia. Subscribe so you do not miss them. Where to watch (check your region): TNT Sports and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland, Eurosport in much of Europe, WST Play in other territories. Snooker Pedia is an independent fan channel and is not affiliated with World Snooker Tour. No match footage is used. Facts checked on 30 October 2026 using World Snooker Tour listings and SnookerHQ; draws can change. #InternationalChampionship #Snooker #WuYize