Just like in Shanghai a couple of weeks ago, Ronnie exited the tournament in round 2 (last 16), and also just like in Shanghai, he had a 3-1 lead at the interval… 😞. He also made the highest break of the match, a 95. But it’s irrelevant of course … only the final score matters.

Here are the scores for today’s match:

Here is the report on that match, as shared by WST:

China Open Day Five

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 29-month title drought continued as he was left Thai and dry by a 6-4 defeat to Noppon Saengkham in the last 16 of the China Open.

O’Sullivan described himself as “just a very poor snooker player at the moment” as he let slip a 3-1 lead, losing five of the last six frames. The 50-year-old has not lifted a trophy since the 2024 Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker. 

World number 45 Saengkham has knocked out world number one Judd Trump and all-time greatest O’Sullivan this week and is into the quarter-finals to face Shaun Murphy on Friday. The 34-year-old from Thailand has never won a ranking title but dreams of going all the way to the £250,000 top prize this week in Taiyuan.

After sharing the first two frames, O’Sullivan took the third on a respotted black and the fourth with a break of 95. After the interval the tide turned as Saengkham reeled off four in a row with a top break of 88 to lead 5-3. A run of 77 gave O’Sullivan frame nine and he had an early chance in the tenth but was unlucky to see the cue ball go in-off when he potted the blue and went into the pack on a break of 10. Saengkham made 47 though the frame was put back in the balance when O’Sullivan got the three snookers he needed. However he missed a difficult final pink and his opponent slotted it into a baulk corner.

“I feel very happy to beat Ronnie,” said Saengkham. “I have to say many thanks to my coach Peter Ebdon, he helps me when I play the top players or have a lot of pressure. He helps me to control myself. When I was 3-1 down I had made a couple of mistakes and usually when I’m struggling I can’t come back from that. But Peter has helped me on how to talk to myself when I do something wrong. When I potted the last pink I thought ‘I’m still here!’ I have a lot of confidence, I am just enjoying it and staying relaxed. Anything can happen.“

O’Sullivan said: “I’m just very poor. Too many bad shots, bad frames and silly mistakes. I have been like this for four years so I’m used to it but it’s frustrating. I don’t want to take anything away from Noppon, he played a really good match, he is cueing strong. I’m just a very poor snooker player at the moment, it’s as simple as that.”

I can’t add much for the time being, as Internet issues prevented me to see the match. I will update this post in due time, after watching it.

I don’t want to “sound” pessimistic but I’m not sure Ronnie will ever win a ranking event again. He had lean spells before, and he has come back to win after such lean spells … but he’s 50 years old now and has absolutely nothing to prove and, somehow what happens this season feels different. Is the hunger still there? I think it is. But is he still able to concentrate for the duration of a long match? Maybe not. Is his eyesight still as good as it used to be? Maybe not. Ronnie never was one to look for excuses. Even if he faces difficulties, he’s unlikely to speak about them. Not while he’s still playing.

These were shared on YouTube:

And, to me, there is nothing “shocking” in Noppon’s win. He’s a very good player, he has a great temperament and years of experience.

Ronnie has beaten Jackson Page by 6-2 today, to win his opening match at the 2026 China Open. Winning their first match is essential for the players as, should they fail to do that, they get no ranking points at all, no matter in which round the match belonged.

Here is the match report shared by WST:

China Open Day Two

O’Sullivan was 2-0 down to Page but hit back to win six frames in a row with breaks of 64, 70, 96, 93 and 100. “To have so many tournaments in China is fantastic, I just hope I can play some decent snooker,” said O’Sullivan, chasing a first title in 29 months. “I like to perform well but I have been so inconsistent. The last time I played well was Yushan for the World Open, then I played ok at the World Championship. But there have been far too many not-so-good performances and that’s difficult to enjoy. I’m trying my hardest.“

…

Here is the last frame of the match, shatred by TNT on YouTube

And here are the frames scores:

In the round of 16, he will face Noppon Saengkham who, maybe surprisingly, beat Judd Trump in the round of 32.

The 2026 China Open starts early tomorrow morning¹ .

Mark Allen has withdrawn from the event, as well as from the coming 2026 Wuhan Open

Allen Withdraws From China Open And Wuhan Open

Mark Allen has pulled out of this month’s China Open and Wuhan Open for personal reasons.

In the China Open in Taiyuan, Allen was due to face Hossein Vafaei or Liu Linhao on Tuesday August 11th. Instead, Vafaei or Liu will receive a bye to the last 16.

In the Wuhan Open, Allen was due to meet Michael Holt on August 23rd. Holt will receive a bye to the last 32.

Allen said: “I am gutted to miss these two events in China and my apologies to the fans and promoters in Taiyuan and Wuhan. I love playing in China and appreciate the support we always get there, but there are personal reasons why I can’t make it this time. I hope to be back playing in China later this season.”

The Opening Ceremony was held today, eve of the tournament, as per tradition in Chinese snooker events …

Green baize kings touched down in the city of Taiyuan on Friday for the official opening ceremony of the 2026 China Open.

This huge £1.2million ranking event returns to the calendar for the first time since 2019, in a new host city which is the capital of the Shanxi Province. 

Defending champion Neil Robertson, World Champion Wu Yize, world number one Judd Trump, all-time great Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Zhao Xintong, Mark Williams, Mark Selby, Kyren Wilson and Ding Junhui were among the stars to receive a rapturous welcome from fans.

After walking the red carpet, players and officials were treated to a spectacular display of local traditional culture, with music and dance performances, followed by speeches from dignitaries.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said:  “Today marks a significant moment for our sport as we celebrate the return of one of snooker’s most prestigious and historic tournaments. After a six-year absence, the China Open once again takes its rightful place on the World Snooker Tour calendar, reaffirming its status as the flagship snooker event in China and one of the highlights of our international season.

“The history of this tournament is woven into the modern story of snooker itself. Few sporting moments have had such lasting significance as Ding Junhui’s unforgettable victory in the 2005 China Open. His triumph inspired millions, transformed the landscape of our sport, and ignited a passion for snooker that continues to grow across this great nation. That remarkable achievement opened the door for a generation of talented Chinese players and helped establish China as one of the world’s true homes of snooker.

“As we begin this exciting new chapter, it is especially fitting that the China Open has found a new home here in Taiyuan. This vibrant city has embraced our sport with tremendous enthusiasm and vision. With outstanding facilities, exceptional organisation and a thriving snooker culture, Taiyuan provides a magnificent stage worthy of an event of this stature. We are proud to bring the world’s greatest players to Shanxi Province for the very first time, and I am confident that this city will create many unforgettable memories in the years ahead.”

Ronnie duly attended 😉 …

1. in our European timezones ↩︎

Here are the reports by WST on what happened in Shanghai over the last two days:

WST report on day 3

Shanghai Masters Day Three

World Champion Wu Yize made a triumphant first appearance of the season with a 6-2 defeat of Chinese compatriot Si Jiahui in front of a packed crowd at the Shanghai Masters.

Wu made it back-to-back Chinese Crucible winners back in May after defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a dramatic world final. He followed in the footsteps of Zhao Xintong, who became his country’s first World Champion just a year earlier. 

That victory saw the 22-year-old star become the second youngest World Champion, trailing only Stephen Hendry who was 21 in 1990. Wu’s win today means he sets up a repeat clash with Murphy, who overcame Zhou Yuelong 6-4 to earn his quarter-final slot. 

With Wu leading 3-2 this evening, consecutive centuries of 108 and back-to-back 140s saw him burst over the line. He was given a rapturous ovation after depositing the final black one-handed. 

Wu said: “It was great to feel the enthusiasm from the crowd. It’s been quite a while since I last played in front of fans like this. I also haven’t really had the chance to practise properly recently, so when I got back out there I felt a little rusty at first. Fortunately, I managed to find my own rhythm and I think that was the key to winning today’s match. 

“Seeing more and more people in China enjoying snooker, coming to watch the matches and getting involved in the sport, is a really wonderful feeling for us as players. I hope we’ll have even more tournaments in the future and see even more people taking part in the game.

“I’ve definitely been feeling tired. Mentally, I don’t think I’ve been in the best place. Even now, I’m still trying to rediscover that competitive feeling and get myself back into the right frame of mind. I took on too many commitments over the summer, and that did affect my form. Hopefully I can make the necessary adjustments as quickly as possible.“

Four-time Crucible king John Higgins held off a Jack Lisowski fightback to edge a thrilling 6-5 win on the black and set up a quarter-final showdown with rival and world number one Judd Trump. 

Scotland’s Higgins is making a first appearance since his tremendous World Championship run was ended with a thrilling 17-15 defeat to Shaun Murphy in the semi-finals back in May. Higgins beat Ali Carter, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson along the way at the Theatre of Dreams. 

The match saw Higgins take control of proceedings, making breaks of 53, 83, 56 and 57 en route to a 5-3 advantage. At that moment world number 17 Lisowski, who is only competing this week due to Mark Allen not entering, burst into life. Back-to-back century runs of 123 and 109 set up a nerve-shredding deciding frame.

Higgins appeared to be in control at 60-30 ahead on the last red. Lisowski eventually fluked it, but needed a colour to keep his hopes alive. He deposited a tremendous green and took the frame to the final black. The Englishman chanced his arm at a tricky last ball, but it rattled in the yellow pocket and went beside the opposite corner. Higgins took his chance and emerged the victor. 

The Glaswegian has beaten his next opponent Trump in their last two meetings, both 6-5 at the Masters and the Players Championship. He believes that will help heading into the blockbuster tie. 

“It gives you a little boost, making you realise you can beat him. I think I’d lost so many matches in a row against him before that. I maybe could have nicked a couple of those, but he will maybe be feeling he should have nicked the last two. He is still big favourite to win. I need to play at the top of my game to have a chance,” said world number five Higgins.

“It filled me with some sort of pride that I went there (to the Crucible) and had some great wins. I ran Shaun really close and he was hitting the ball amazing all tournament. It should give me confidence that I can still compete. That is the main thing.“

2025 Crucible winner Zhao Xintong was victorious by a 6-2 scoreline against fellow Chinese legend Ding Junhui, who he’s now beaten in their last five meetings. 

Zhao made breaks of 112, 100 and 101 en route to today’s win. He now faces off against Australia’s Neil Robertson.

WST report on day 4

Shanghai Masters Day Four

World Champion Wu Yize triumphed 6-5 over Shaun Murphy in a thrilling repeat of this year’s Crucible final to make the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters.

The pair crossed cues in the first world final to go to a deciding frame since 2002 this May, with Wu taking his chance to power over the line for a famous win. Once again there was high drama this evening, with the match coming down to the final black. 

This was Wu’s first appearance on tour since becoming China’s second World Champion, having followed in the footsteps of Zhao Xintong’s victory in 2025. He was granted a rapturous reception in the previous round, when he finished off a 6-2 win over Si Jiahui with back-to-back 140 breaks. 

With the match reaching a deciding frame and Murphy leading 62-29, the Englishman unexpectedly missed a red. Wu stepped up and cleared to the black to seal another nerve-shredding win over his English opponent. He now faces Judd Trump in the last four.

Wu said: “I didn’t feel I played very well. Although the result was good and I managed to win the match, I never really took control of it. Hopefully I can find my rhythm and get back to my best in the next match as I prepare for the semi-finals.

“I definitely made a lot of mistakes that I shouldn’t have made. To be honest, I didn’t expect to get another chance in the deciding frame, and I was quite surprised when Shaun missed and left me in. I don’t think either of us played particularly well today. It wasn’t as high a standard as the match we produced in the World Championship final.”

Trump scored his first whitewash win over John Higgins for ten years, demolishing his illustrious opponent 6-0 to make the semis.

The Ace in the Pack last prevented Higgins from registering a frame in their meeting at the 2016 European Masters, when he triumphed 4-0. Today’s win is his first ever whitewash victory over the Scot in a match of this length. 

It sees Trump gain revenge for two agonising defeats in the pair’s previous meetings. Higgins scored 6-5 semi-final wins over the Englishman at the Masters and the Players Championship last season. After today’s win, Trump leads the head-to-head standings 22-16. 

An astonishing display saw Trump limit Higgins to only 37 points in the entire match, all of which came in the second frame. The world number one made breaks of 97, 60, 53, 142, 128 and 102 to storm to victory. 

36-year-old Trump said: “I started off well and there was a big second frame. John missed the last black going up for the yellow and at this level that kind of shot can turn a game. He didn’t do a lot wrong after that. I don’t know if I’ve ever beaten him 6-0 before. It was an incredible performance. He’s such a consistent player and every time I’ve got in front in the past he’s managed to get back into it. 

“I had a good run against him for five or six years and then when you lose once you give your opponent that bit of confidence. If you lose a few games in a row it starts to get in your head. It was nice to shut that down early with that kind of performance.”

Defending champion Kyren Wilson won the last three frames to claim a dramatic 6-5 win over three-time World Champion Mark Williams and make the semi-finals. 

Wilson defeated Si Jiahui, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Zhao Xintong and Ali Carter to capture the title 12 months ago. Victory this afternoon means he will face Zhao again in a repeat of their last four clash in 2025. 

He found himself 5-3 down but summoned a burst of breaks, making 61, 54 and 113 to run out the victor. Afterwards 34-year-old Wilson admitted at being angry finding himself behind, but said he channeled it in the right direction to get the win. 

Wilson said: “It has come with the experience of knowing I can turn matches around. Although you feel angry, it is about remaining calm and using it to spur you on. Perhaps that came from winning the World Championship in 2024. I know what I’m capable of and I’m pleased I finished the match off. 

“It can be soul destroying out there. We’ve seen massive leads crumble because an opponent has missed an easy shot and they can’t recover. You can’t teach that. It is about overcoming it in the moment and proving you can handle it.”

2025 World Champion Zhao stormed to the semis with a stunning 6-0 defeat of Australia’s 2010 Crucible winner Neil Robertson. 

Zhao made two century runs of 117 and 102 in the win. He will get the chance to avenge a 10-5 loss at the hands of Wilson last year.

All the detailed results are available on snooker.org.

I’m happy with these outcomes… except for one of them 😉

Unfortunately I can’t comment on any of the matches … I didn’t see a ball yesterday and it’s likely going to be the same today because I have my daughter and my grandson staying with me for the next couple of weeks. We make the most of it because they live in Belgium and I live in Greece, therefore, for most of the school year, we have no opportunity to do things together.

Just like last year, Kyren Wilson proved to be too strong for Ronnie in Shanghai: he beat him by 6-4 in front of a good crowd.

Here is the report shared by WST:

Shanghai Masters Day Two

Defending champion Kyren Wilson got his season underway in earnest with a superb 6-4 win over seven-time Crucible King Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Shanghai Masters. 

Wilson captured the title here in Shanghai 12 months ago, beating Ali Carter 11-9 in a fiercely contested final. The Warrior went on to win a momentous maiden Masters crown later on in the campaign. Despite those invitational successes, Wilson didn’t progress beyond the quarter-finals of any ranking events during the season.

Away from the table, he and his family have endured a difficult summer after their home was burgled. Wilson has brought his wife Sophie and children Finley and Bailey to Shanghai this week, and they were there to watch him produce an outstanding display against snooker’s greatest player.

With 34-year-old Wilson leading 3-1 at the mid-session interval, it was the Rocket who then came out flying. Three consecutive century runs of 100, 111 and 141 saw O’Sullivan wrest the lead from his English compatriot. 

Wilson restored parity, before a sublime 79, with the balls in difficult positions, moved him to the verge at 5-4. He powered over the line with 97 in the tenth. Next up it is three-time World Champion Mark Williams, who overcame Chris Wakelin in a 6-5 thriller. 

Wilson said: “It is always great playing in Shanghai and somebody of the class of Ronnie O’Sullivan. You know the crowd are going to come out in their numbers when he is playing. It inspires me and makes me want to play snooker. I have my kids with me and I wanted to show them how amazing snooker is out here. I hope they enjoyed that one. 

“It has been really tough off the table, not just on me but on all of the family. That is life. You have to move on and you have to deal with it. Coming into this tournament it has been nice to just play snooker again and get that noise out of my head. It is never going to go away completely but playing in front of such a wonderful crowd in Shanghai makes you appreciate being a snooker player.“

Australia’s Neil Robertson won an epic clash with China’s Xiao Guodong 6-5 to seal his place in the quarter-finals. 

The Thunder from Down Under was on the brink of falling at his first hurdle when he trailed Xiao, who made a stunning 147 in the third frame, by a 5-2 scoreline.

2010 World Champion Robertson dug deep and made breaks of 115 and 62 en route to sealing four consecutive frames and a narrow victory, earning a meeting with either Ding Junhui or Zhao Xintong.

Afterwards he elaborated on having created his own language to enable him to have a technical checklist in his cue case, which opponents won’t be able to read. 

“It is like with golfers and swing thoughts. I have a little code where I write down a few things. If I miss a few long balls I’ll look at it and think what I’m not doing. Nobody has any chance of being able to decode that. It is a language that only I can understand,” said 44-year-old Robertson. 

“I’ve played Ding quite a few times in China and Xintong was the player of the season last year. Ding will be motivated by the other Chinese players winning tournaments as well and want to stay with them. It is going to be a fantastic match between them.”

World number one Judd Trump beat Barry Hawkins 6-4 to set up a tie with either age-old rival John Higgins or close friend Jack Lisowski. The latter came through a first round meeting with Zhang Anda this morning, holding off a fightback and winning 6-4 after leading 5-0. 

China’s Si Jiahui overcame Pang Junxu 6-4 and his reward is a showdown with compatriot and current World Champion Wu Yize, who will be making his first appearance since winning the sport’s biggest event back in May.

Here are the scores for Ronnie’s match

All the detailed results are on snooker.org as usual.

Bac to back centuries from Ronnie

And the last frame:

Both videos shared by WST on YouTube.

Unfortunately … I’m not surprised. Ronnie recently said that after two hours of practise he needs to rest for three hours. If that’s true, he’s not going to be able to stay at his best in longer matches. Today he made three consecutive centuries, then scored only ten points in the last three frames. Maybe I read too much in this outcome ? … or maybe not? What is obvious to me is that Ronnie isn’t physically fit at the moment. He’s has put weight on … too much of it. Staying fit becomes more difficult as one ages, it’s normal as the metabolism slows down, but … it’s not great. It certainly doesn’t help if you are a professional sportsperson.

Don’t get me wrong, Kyren is a top player and I’m not trying to downplay his merit. I’m just seeing a pattern forming … a pattern I don’t like. But then, no matter how hard we try or how much we want it, none of us can go on forever. Time waits for no one. At nearly 72, I know that only too well …

And Xiao Guodong made a 147 …

It’s Xiao fourth career 147. it came in frame 3. It’s the 246th maximum in professional snooker and already the fifth this season.