Snooker’s Top Players Set for Return to Manchester Tour Championship

Snooker’s Top Players Set for Return to Manchester Tour Championship

Some of the biggest names in world snooker are set to return to Manchester as the Tour Championship gets underway at the end of March.

Elite Field Confirmed

The tournament, taking place at Manchester Central from 30 March to 5 April, will feature only the top 12 players from this season’s rankings, ensuring a highly competitive field.

Among those confirmed are Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong and defending champion John Higgins.

Snooker player aiming carefully at the cue ball during a match under tournament lighting
John Higgins focuses on a key shot as he returns to defend his Tour Championship title

Higgins, a four-time world champion, returns to defend his title after last year’s final victory over Mark Selby. He will open this year’s campaign against fellow multiple world champion Mark Williams.

Other leading players in the draw include Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.

More Than Just the Matches

Alongside the competition, organisers have planned a range of activities aimed at widening access to the sport.

A free fan zone will be open in the venue foyer throughout the event, offering coaching sessions for all ages, interactive games, and the opportunity to try a full-size professional snooker table.

With the final weekend falling during the Easter school holidays, the event is expected to attract families as well as dedicated fans.

Broadcast and Access

Matches will be broadcast live across the UK on Channel 5, with additional international coverage bringing the tournament to a global audience.

With a limited field made up of the season’s top performers, the Tour Championship offers a focused snapshot of elite snooker. Its return to Manchester continues the city’s role as a regular host for major sporting events, combining high-level competition with broader public engagement.

Filed under Sport

A wide shot of Manchester's city center, featuring the arched roof of Manchester Central Convention Complex, modern skyscrapers, and traditional brick buildings, all bathed in the warm light of a sunset or sunrise.Up nextManchester and Northern Cities Back Ambitious UK Olympic Games BidContinue reading →

Your story belongs on Manchester Magazine

A new place, an award, a team that did something good: send it in. It is free, and an editor reads every story.

Send your story

More from Manchester Magazine

All stories