Zhao Xintong of China holds the trophy during a media day launching the start of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Britain, on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Zheng/Xinhua)

(back row from L to R) Chris Wakelin of England, Xiao Guodong of China, Neil Robertson of Australia, Shaun Murphy of England, Mark Selby of England, Wu Yize of China, Mark Williams of Wales and Si Jiahui of China (front row from L to R) Barry Hawkins of England, John Higgins of Scotland, Kyren Wilson of England, Zhao Xintong of China, Mark Allen of Northern Ireland and Ding Junhui of China pose for a photo with the trophy during a media day launching the start of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Britain, on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Zheng/Xinhua)

(back row from L to R) Chris Wakelin of England, Xiao Guodong of China, Neil Robertson of Australia, Shaun Murphy of England, Mark Selby of England, Wu Yize of China, Mark Williams of Wales and Si Jiahui of China (front row from L to R) Barry Hawkins of England, John Higgins of Scotland, Kyren Wilson of England, Zhao Xintong of China, Mark Allen of Northern Ireland and Ding Junhui of China pose for a photo during a media day launching the start of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Britain, on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Zheng/Xinhua)

Ding Junhui of China reacts during a media day launching the start of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Britain, on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Zheng/Xinhua)

Zhao Xintong (L, front) of China signs autographs for supporters during a media day launching the start of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Britain, on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Zheng/Xinhua)

(from L to R) Xiao Guodong, Wu Yize, Ding Junhui, Zhao Xintong and Si Jiahui of China pose for a photo during a media day launching the start of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Britain, on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhai Zheng/Xinhua)