Ding Junhui changed the landscape of snooker with his 2005 China Open win (Picture: Getty Images)For the first time in seven years, one of the most consequential tournaments in snooker history is back as the main stages of the 2026 China Open begin on Saturday. The China Open played a huge part in what the professional circuit looks like now, specifically the 2005 edition. Stephen Hendry with Chinese wild cards Pang Weiguo and Chai Zhongjian at the 2000 China Open (Picture: Getty Images)But Ding Junhui had now arrived. Wu Yize is the current Crucible king, winning the world title a year after Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese world champ. 2026 China Open The tournament returns for the first time since 2019, falling off the calendar in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.