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First played for in the 2012-2013 season, the International Open snooker was dubbed the “first overseas major” due to it having the same level of ranking points at the UK Championship. It remained the most lucrative tournament outside the UK until 2018 when it was overtaken by the China Open. This year will see the competition return to China for the 11th time, with last year’s champion Ding Junhui back to defend his title. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 event. The International Open runs from Sunday, November 2, to Sunday, November 9. The tournament is held at South New City National Fitness Center in Nanjing, China. There is a total prize pot of £825,000, broken down as follows: Matches are played as the best of 11 frames (first to 6) until the semi‑finals, which will be the best of 17 frames (first to 9) and the final which is the best of 19 frames (first to 10). The semi-final and the final are played over two sessions. Marco Fu, Mark Williams, Ali Carter, Sam Craigie, and Ken Doherty have all withdrawn from the tournament. John Higgins, Anthony McGill, Stephen Macguire and Scott Donaldson are all playing in the last-64. The Rocket has missed the last few tournaments “for medical reasons” but is currently set to play at the International Open, with a first round match against Allan Taylor on Sunday, November 2. Here’s when all the action will be taking place: There will be live coverage of the International Open on TNT Sports which UK viewers can stream through Discovery+. Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
