World Snooker Championship draw time and date as Judgement Day arrives | Other | Sport

Draw Date and Timing: The official draw for the 2026 World Snooker Championship is scheduled to take place at approximately 8:45am on Thursday, April 16. This event occurs after “Judgement Day,” the final round of qualifying matches taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, where the final 16 competitors secure their spots in the main tournament.

How to Watch the Draw: Fans can follow the live proceedings by listening to BBC Radio Five Live or watching the stream via the BBC Sport website. Additionally, the World Snooker Tour (WST) often provides live updates and coverage through their official social media channels and the WST Play platform.

Defending Champion Zhao Xintong: Zhao Xintong enters the tournament as the defending champion and will attempt to break the infamous “Crucible Curse,” which dictatesno first-time winner has ever successfully defended their title. As the top seed, he is scheduled to begin his campaign on the opening morning of Saturday, April 18, at 10am.

World No. 1 Judd Trump: Judd Trump arrives in Sheffield as the current world No. 1 and a co-favourite alongside Zhao, bolstered by a season of consistent high-level performances. His pursuit of a second world title begins on Tuesday, April 21, with sessions scheduled for both the morning and evening.

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Record Bid: Seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan is once again the focus of intense media scrutiny as he bids for a record-breaking eighth world title to surpass his and Stephen Hendry’s joint-record. He is slated to start his first-round match on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 21, making his 34th consecutive appearance at the Crucible.

Tactical Master Mark Selby: Four-time champion Mark Selby remains a primary contender due to his renowned safety play and mental resilience in the long-frame format unique to this event. Many analysts consider his tactical approach perfectly suited for the 17-day marathon, and he currently holds some of the shortest betting odds behind the top two favourites.

Rising Star Wu Yize: Chinese sensation Wu Yize is being highlighted as a dark horse contender following a breakthrough season that has seen him climb the rankings with fearless long potting. His inclusion in the top tier of contenders reflects a broader shift in the sport’s landscape as a new generation of players begins to challenge the established “Class of ’92.”

Tournament Format and Venue: The main draw features 32 players, consisting of the top 16 seeded stars who are drawn at random against 16 successful qualifiers. All matches from the first round through to the final on May 4 will be held at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, which has been redesigned this year to include a new “Legends Walk” for fans.