Summary:
- The World Grand Prix is underway, and Kyren Wilson fans are already in shock after their favorite lost 5-2 to Xiao Guodong.
- Mark Selby, Elliot Slessor, and Zhou Yuelong advanced to the last 16.
- Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump begin their tournament runs tomorrow.
The 2026 World Grand Prix is off to a dramatic start in Hong Kong, with some surprising results already shaping the first round. Kyren Wilson, a former world champion and the reigning Players Championship winner, crashed out early, losing 5-2 to China’s Xiao Guodong.
The defeat means Wilson will not be able to defend his Players Championship title later this month. Guodong impressed with breaks of 87, 86, 50, and 54, cruising past Wilson in a match that ended with an 88-11 final frame.
Clean 5-0 Win for Selby Against Hill
Elsewhere, Mark Selby made a statement with a flawless 5-0 victory over Aaron Hill, booking his place in the last 16 without dropping a frame.
Elliot Slessor and Zhou Yuelong also managed to move forward after they both secured 5-2 wins over Stuart Bingham and Stephen Maguire, respectively.
These early results have set up a mix of experience and fresh talent in the tournament’s next stage, and the opening day has already highlighted that nothing in snooker can be taken for granted.
What’s Next
Mark Williams is set to start his campaign today, taking on Zhang Anda in the 11:30 am GMT session.
Later in the tournament, fans will see Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump begin their runs. O’Sullivan, who needs no introduction, will face Joe O’Connor in the early 5 am GMT session, while Trump, fresh off his German Masters win, takes on Yuan Sijun at 11 am GMT.
Both matches are expected to draw plenty of attention as snooker enthusiasts watch two of the sport’s biggest names return to competition.
With the first day completed and several marquee players waiting to hit the table, the World Grand Prix promises even more high-quality snooker in the coming sessions.
With the tournament heating up, early results point to the fact that even favorites on the Best Non UK Betting Sites could face stiff challenges as the competition progresses.