The English Open Snooker tournament is underway at the Brentwood Centre in Essex from 11-21 September 2025, bringing together many of the sport’s biggest names. Neil Robertson returns as defending champion, world number one Judd Trump and reigning world champion Zhao Xintong are in the draw, and a teenager has already made a splash. Missing from the field: Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has opted out even though the event is held close to his childhood home.

Key Updates & Major Storylines

Robertson Seeks Back-to-Back Titles

Neil Robertson, last year’s winner, enters the event looking to continue his strong form. He defeated Wu Yize 9-7 in last year’s final to take the Steve Davis Trophy, and he also recently edged O’Sullivan in the Saudi Arabia Masters. Those wins give him strong momentum coming in.

O’Sullivan Skips His Hometown Event

Despite Brentwood being just miles from Chigwell where he grew up, Ronnie O’Sullivan has opted not to compete in the 2025 English Open. No official explanation has been given, though his absence is being felt given his influence on the sport.

Prize Money & Broadcast Info

The total prize fund for the tournament is £550,400, with the winner earning £100,000. The English Open is part of the Home Nations Series, and players are also eying a cumulative bonus for best performance across the series. Broadcasting is extensive: UK, Europe, Asia, and globally via WST Play and local/regional sports channels.

Rising Performers and Early Drama

Onyee Ng made headlines by breaking a 33-year record for the highest break by a woman in a ranking event, compiling a sensational 137 in her match against Liam Highfield. She also posted a 69 in the same match. Despite that, she was eventually beaten 4-2.

Jimmy White, the veteran, survived a tight 4-3 match to advance past Cheung Ka Wai.

In contrast, Michal Szubarczyk, a 14-year-old prodigy, was eliminated 4-0 in his opening match. Early promise, but early exit.

Tournament Format & Schedule Highlights

Matches begin with Best-of-7 frames in the early rounds, moving up in length as the tournament progresses. It’s structured so that:

Round One spans September 11-12

Round Two over the weekend of the 13-14th

Round Three across September 15-16

Round Four on September 17

Round Five on the 18th

Quarter-finals on the 19th

Semi-finals on the 20th

Final locked in for September 21

What To Watch In The Coming Days

Can Robertson maintain his form and defend the trophy in the absence of O’Sullivan’s presence?

Will Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong or other top seeds step up and seize the chance as favorites?

Will more records fall? Onyee Ng showed one can still make history even without reaching the final.

Who among the underdogs or younger players will punch above expectations?

The English Open is shaping up to be a mix of veteran dominance and emerging talent. Every match counts and the final weeks could very well deliver surprises.