26th February

Global snooker updates from this week in an easy 5-minute read

February 26, 2026

Zhao Triumphs in Telford

Zhao Xintong claimed back-to-back titles with a 10–7 victory over John Higgins in the Players Championship final in Telford. Fresh from winning the World Grand Prix, Zhao became the 14th player to secure consecutive ranking titles on the World Snooker Tour.

Level at 6–6, Zhao surged clear with breaks of 104, 126 and 92 to seal his fifth ranking crown, maintaining a perfect finals record. He joins Steve Davis, Mark Williams and Neil Robertson in winning his first five ranking finals. Higgins, chasing history, praised Zhao’s brilliance, echoing admiration previously voiced by Ronnie O'Sullivan.

English Under-21 Championship Glory for Kaylan Patel

Kaylan Patel captured the 2026 English Under-21 Championship with a 4–3 comeback win over Daniel Boyes at the Landywood Snooker Club. Trailing 3–1, the 17-year-old battled back to take the deciding frame and secure his first national title after advancing through a field of 65 entrants. Patel had started strong with several whitewash victories in the early rounds and overpowered seasoned opponents to reach the final. Boyes, an ex-English Under-18 champion, led for much of the match, but Patel’s resilience saw him lift the trophy in a tight finale.

Taom Snooker Chalk now available

Taom Round Chalk | Snooker 247

Taom Chalk – The Professional’s Choice Taom Chalk is a revolutionary performance chalk trusted by professional pool and snooker players worldwide. Engineered in Finland, it delivers exceptional grip, reduced miscues, and minimal residue on balls and cloth. Unlike traditional chalk, Taom’s unique formula combines clean application with long-lasting consistency, ensuring players enjoy maximum control and confidence with every shot. Whether you’re competing at the highest level or perfecting your game, Taom Chalk sets the standard for precision and reliability in cue sports. Each box contains 9 pieces of Taom chalk

www.snooker247.com/product-page/professional-competition-level-taom-round-chalk

Snooker Venue of the Week

Frankston RSL | Snooker 247

www.snooker247.com/snooker-clubs/frankston-rsl

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