The British Open begins on Monday as the World Snooker Tour returns to the UK following a trip to China. The Shanghai Masters, China Open and Wuhan Open were played over recent weeks, with Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Chang Bingyu emerging as champions respectively.
Chang's First Ranking Title and New World Number One
Chang Bingyu claimed his first ranking title by beating Zhao Xintong in the Wuhan final on Saturday, and both players quickly return to action, playing their opening matches in Cheltenham on Tuesday. Despite losing the final, Zhao's run lifted him to the top of the world rankings, replacing Judd Trump and becoming just the 13th world number one in snooker history.
All three winners from the China swing are in action this week in a high-quality field missing only a couple of big names, as both Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Allen have withdrawn.
Defending Champion and Draw
Shaun Murphy is the defending champion after beating Anthony McGill in last year's final, having come through a tough run to lift the trophy. Murphy beat the likes of Neil Robertson, Judd Trump and Mark Selby on his way to the title, with the FA Cup-style draw not being particularly kind to him.
Schedule and How to Watch
The event gets underway on Monday afternoon, with the final played over two sessions on Sunday September 6. Channel 5 is showing the tournament, with coverage on the main channel and on 5 Action (Freeview channel 33, Sky 150, Freesat 132). Coverage of Table Two is available on the 5 app and website.
Some round one matches were played in Leicester in July, while others are held over to the venue in Cheltenham.
Prize Money and Odds
The winner receives £100,000, with the runner-up taking £45,000. Semi-finalists earn £20,000, quarter-finalists £12,000, and the highest break is worth £5,000. Pre-tournament odds courtesy of Unibet place Zhao Xintong at 15/4, Judd Trump at 19/4, and Mark Selby at 15/2, with Chang Bingyu at 8/1 and Shaun Murphy at 10/1.
