Matchroom Sport President Barry Hearn OBE will compete in the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship – taking place in Matchroom’s hometown of Brentwood.
Hearn previously played at last year’s UK Open at the Telford International Centre, where he lost to Denmark’s Mickey Krause in the opening round – and the ‘Guv’nor’ will be hoping to go one better this time around on home turf.
The championship will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from 25-30 May 2026, marking the first time the event has been held in Essex.
A total of 256 players are set to take part, including 128 professional players from more than 50 countries, competing alongside amateur entrants in a truly open format. The event also features a junior competition, expected to attract players as young as seven.
The UK Open continues to grow in stature, with an increased prize fund of £167,500 ($225,000), underlining its status as one of the leading events on the global nineball calendar.
Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp claimed the title last year, defeating Spain’s Jonas Souto 13-1 in the final in Telford.
TalkSPORT host Andy Goldstein and darts star Gerwyn Price have already confirmed their attendance to this year’s unmissable competition.
