Shenzhen Open Officially Launched

World number one Zhao Xintong will be on home soil alongside a host of snooker’s biggest stars when the new Shenzhen Open takes place from September 28 to October 4.

The tournament was officially launched on Friday at the Gate to the Sea City Parlour at Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, with the world ranking event to be staged at Bao’an Sports Center Gymnasium.

Shenzhen’s own Zhao will be among the headline names in the field, alongside fellow Chinese stars Wu Yize, Ding Junhui, Xiao Guodong and Si Jiahui. Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Mark Williams and Shaun Murphy are also set to compete.

A total prize fund of £850,000 will be on offer, with the champion to receive £177,000.

Zhao, who is the tournament’s official ambassador, said: “This time I’ll be playing at home. Welcome to Shenzhen over the National Day holiday – enjoy the food and have a great time!”

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson sent a video message to the launch ceremony, welcoming the tournament to Shenzhen and highlighting the significance of staging a major event in the home city of the reigning World Champion.

The tournament’s official promotional film was also premiered during the ceremony.

The Shenzhen Open adds another major snooker event to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, alongside the Women’s World Championship in Dongguan, the Guangzhou Invitational and the Hong Kong Grand Prix, further strengthening the sport’s presence in southern China.

Tickets went on sale on Friday, with prices starting from RMB 60 and a 10% early-bird discount available ahead of the full general sale on September 10. A new Ticket Stub Programme will also give ticket holders access to a range of benefits across Shenzhen. Tickets can be bought on Damai (MAISEAT), Maoyan, Douyin, Piaoxingqiu, OneTicket and Tixbay.