Snooker's world number one ranking race to be reignited at Northern Ireland Open

Following what will be nearly a fortnight’s break on the World Snooker Tour, top-flight action returns with the 2026 Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. The second Home Nations Series of the season - Ali Carter won the first at last month’s English Open in Brentwood - takes place between October 18-25.

What happened at the last event on the circuit has had a huge impact on the world rankings and has led to the possibility of a change at the top for the second time in just a matter of weeks.

It was only at the end of August when China’s Zhao Xintong climbed to the summit of snooker’s global standings for the first time. 2025 World Champion Zhao guaranteed his maiden world number one accolade when he defeated Neil Robertson in the Wuhan Open last eight before going on to reach the final where he was denied the title by Chang Bingyu.

Zhao replaced Judd Trump - who had spent two years there - at the top, becoming only the 13th player to lead the rankings in top-flight snooker history since such a system was created in the second half of the 1970s. Following in the footsteps of compatriot Ding Junhui who achieved the feat a decade before, Zhao is only the second player from Asia to be snooker’s world number one.

However, after an opening round loss on home soil at the Shenzhen Open earlier this month, Zhao's position is under threat from fellow countryman Wu Yize.

Reigning World Snooker Champion Wu - who succeeded Zhao on the Crucible roll of honour - went on to win the Shenzhen Open, collecting the £177,000 top prize and going up to number two in the world rankings; a career-high. All three of Wu’s ranking titles have come inside the past 12 months, starting with the International Championship last November.

Heading into the Northern Ireland Open there is less than £27,000 between Zhao and Wu in the latest standings. And with a £100,000 winner’s purse on offer at the Waterfront, 23-year-old Wu would be sure of going top should he lift The Alex Higgins Trophy.

Both Zhao and Wu are in the bottom half of the draw, but can’t meet until the semi-finals. In the opening televised round Zhao faces Gao Yang whilst Wu shares the baize with Scott Donaldson - the player who sent Zhao packing from Shenzhen.

To view the full draw, results, schedule, and other information from the 2026 Northern Ireland Open, visit our tournament information centre here.