Matthew Stevens and Stephen Hendry bring star power to Players Championship final coverage on Channel 5

Channel 5 will broadcast the 2026 Players Championship final between John Higgins and Zhao Xintong from the Telford International Centre, with legendary commentators Stephen Hendry and Matthew Stevens providing expert analysis of what promises to be a thrilling encounter for the £150,000 top prize.

The coverage will be presented by Katie Shanahan, with Abigail Davies reporting from the venue and MC Tahir Hajat hosting proceedings. Viewers can also access the match through My5, Channel 5's streaming service, ensuring fans across the UK and beyond can follow all the action as two of snooker's most compelling characters battle for supremacy.

Hendry, widely regarded as snooker's greatest player with 17 world titles to his name, brings unparalleled insight into the technical and psychological aspects of championship snooker. His commentary partnership with Stevens, a former world finalist and two-time Masters champion, provides viewers with expert analysis drawn from decades of professional experience at the highest level of the sport.

Stevens, who reached the World Championship final in 2000 and won the prestigious Masters tournament twice, has established himself as one of snooker's most respected pundits. His ability to dissect tactical nuances and predict player behaviour has made him an invaluable voice in snooker broadcasting, particularly during high-pressure matches where experience and composure prove decisive.

The final itself promises drama of the highest order. Higgins, the 50-year-old Scottish legend, has defied the odds to reach the final despite entering the competition as a late replacement for Ronnie O'Sullivan. The veteran triumphed over Neil Robertson and Chris Wakelin before edging world number one Judd Trump in a tense semi-final that went to a deciding frame. Higgins previously won the Players Championship in 2021 and currently holds a superior head-to-head record against Zhao, with eight victories to his opponent's five.

Zhao Xintong, the rising Chinese star, has shown remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. He staged an extraordinary comeback from 5-2 down against Elliot Slessor in the first round to force a decider, before dispatching Shaun Murphy 6-3 in the quarter-finals with two superb century breaks. The 28-year-old then overcame Mark Allen 6-5 in his own deciding-frame semi-final thriller.

This represents the third meeting between the rivals in 2026 already. Higgins recently defeated Zhao 6-5 at the Masters in London last month, suggesting he possesses the experience and tactical acumen to navigate another close encounter. However, Zhao's demonstrated ability to recover from seemingly hopeless positions throughout this tournament indicates he possesses the mental fortitude required to upset the betting odds.

With Hendry and Stevens providing commentary, viewers will benefit from expert perspective on how each player's recent form, temperament, and tactical approach might influence the outcome of this compelling final.

Article generated: 22 February 2026, 12:46 GMT