English Open Last 16 Draw: Murphy Reaches Quarterfinals, Ding Junhui Faces O'Connor, Gong Chenzi Takes On Carter

The 2026 Snooker English Open is set to begin its last-16 matches, with this round using a best-of-seven format and taking place on September 10. After the intense round of 32 to 16 competition, four Chinese players successfully reached the last 16: Yuan Sijun, Zhou Yuelong, Ding Junhui and Gong Chenzi, while Pang Junxu is also competing. In this round, Yuan Sijun and Zhou Yuelong will meet in an all-Chinese matchup, while the other players must face top international opponents, making the competition extremely challenging.

The complete last-16 draw has been confirmed, with the opening highlight featuring Mark Selby against Kyren Wilson. Known as the “Jester” style grinder, Selby is skilled at controlling the pace through tactical battles, and he narrowly defeated Zhang Anda in a deciding frame in the previous round, showing improved form. Wilson is known for his aggressive attacking style, and their previous meetings suggest the two players are closely matched, making the result difficult to predict. Among the Chinese players, Yuan Sijun will face Zhou Yuelong. Both players are attacking-minded competitors and know each other's styles well, meaning the short format places even more emphasis on immediate adaptation and avoiding mistakes. The player who adjusts faster and makes fewer errors will have a better chance of winning. Ding Junhui's opponent is Joe O'Connor, and Ding advanced with a 4-2 victory in the previous round. O'Connor's steady style allows him to capitalize on opponents' mistakes, so Ding will need to remain composed and avoid letting prolonged battles affect his rhythm.

Gong Chenzi will face veteran Ali Carter. As an experienced player, Carter holds an advantage in major-event experience, while the young Gong Chenzi will need to give his best effort and value the opportunity to compete against an established player. Pang Junxu also faces a difficult task against “The Magician” Shaun Murphy. Murphy has delicate cue control, reliable long-potting ability and balanced attacking and defensive skills. Pang will need to improve his handling of key balls to continue his run. Other international matchups are also attracting attention. Liam Davies will face Wu Yize, while Trump will take on Anthony McGill. Trump is considered one of the title contenders because of his powerful attacking ability and advanced comfortably in the previous round. Meanwhile, Mark Williams and Barry Hawkins will contest a highly anticipated veteran battle, with both players known for controlling match tempo.

The tournament offers attractive prize money, with the champion receiving £100,000 and the runner-up earning £45,000. Players reaching the last 16 have already secured £9,000, with further progress bringing significant increases in ranking points and prize money. The schedule shows that the quarterfinals and semifinals will both use a best-of-11 format, while the final will use a best-of-17 format held over two sessions to decide the champion. In the short-format last-16 stage, the margin for error is extremely small, and a single mistake can allow an opponent to complete a comeback. For the Chinese contingent, the focus is not only on the all-Chinese matchup but also on the outcomes of several other difficult battles. The clash between Yuan Sijun and Zhou Yuelong will guarantee that one Chinese player is eliminated, while the performances of Ding Junhui, Gong Chenzi and Pang Junxu will directly affect the number of Chinese players reaching the quarterfinals.