International Championship Snooker 2026 Today: Wednesday Quarter-final schedule, prize money, how to watch - when is John Higgins playing?

We’ve now reached the quarter-finals of the eighth ranking event of the 2026/27 snooker season, with the International Championship now into its fifth day.

John Higgins is in quarter-final action today. | Getty Images

First staged in 2012 in the Chinese city of Chengu, since 2024 it has been held in Nanjing, in the Chinese province of Jiangsu, and this year marks the 12th edition.

Read more: Snooker Rich List 2026: Here are the 11 biggest earners of the season - how much prize money have Wu Yize and John Higgins banked?

Last year saw local hero Wu Yize lift the trophy after being Scotland’s John Higgins 10-6 in the final.

Both returned this year, but have had mixed fortunes, with Yize losing out to Stephen Maguire in a tense third round tussle, while Higgins powered his way to the quarter-finals in a final frame decider against old rival Mark Williams yesterday.

But sadly yesterday also saw Scotland’s Stephen Maguire exit the competition after coming unstuck in a deciding frame to Ding Junhui.

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening the tournament on Wednesday, November 4.

When is the International Championship being held?

The tournament will take place from Saturday, October 31, to Sunday, November 8.

Where is the International Championship snooker being held?

The tournament is hosted by the South New City National Fitness Center (SNCNFC) in Nanjing, China.

What is the prize money at the International Championship?

There is £825,000 up for grabs, distributed as follows:

• Winner: £175,000
• Runner-up: £75,000
• Semi-final: £33,000
• Quarter-final: £22,000
• Last 16: £14,000
• Last 32: £9,000
• Last 64: £5,000
• Highest break: £5,000

What is the format of the International Championship snooker?

Matches are the best of 11 frames (first to six) until the semi‑finals which are the best of 17 frames (first to nine) and the final which is the best of 19 frames (first to 10).

Qualifying took place in Leicester on September 17-19. A number of qualifying matches feturing Chinese players and wildcards were held over to the main competition in China.

What is the Wednesday order of play at the International Championship snooker?

Here’s what’s happening on Wednesday, November 4. All are quarter-final matches.

6am start

Ding Junhui [15] v Kyren Wilson [8]

Fan Zhengyi [53] v Hossein Vafaei [28]

11.30am start

Marco Fu [70] v John Higgins [6]

Chang Bingyu [22] v Zhao Xintong [2]

When is John Higgins playing in the International Championship?

Scotland’s John Higgins will be taking on world number 70 Marco Fu in their quarter-final in the 11.30am session on Tuesday, November 4.

How can I watch the Northern Ireland Open?

There will be live coverage of the Northern Ireland Open on TNT Sports which UK viewers can stream through Discovery+.

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