Rankings Update: Selby Returns to Top Two as Jak Jones Climbs Nine Places After British Open

Key Movements Following the 2026 British Open

The conclusion of the 2026 British Open in Cheltenham has produced a notable reshuffling across the official world rankings, with Jak Jones climbing nine positions and Mark Selby re-entering the top two among the headline shifts. Jones defeated Selby 10-6 in Sunday's final to claim his second ranking title of the 2026/27 season, while Selby's runner-up finish was nonetheless sufficient to push him back up the standings despite the defeat. All rankings data per CueTracker and snooker.org.

Selby Back in the Top Two — But for How Long?

Mark Selby's return to the world number two position represents a significant recovery in the standings for the four-time world champion, who had already shown strong form this season by winning the China Open. The Leicester potter has now accumulated more than £300,000 in prize money in the current campaign alone, adding £45,000 in runner-up earnings from Cheltenham to an already impressive seasonal tally.

However, Selby's stay in the top two may prove short-lived. The £100,000 he collected for winning the 2024 British Open is due to be deducted from his rolling two-year ranking points total later this month, which could see him slide back down the standings regardless of his recent consistency. It is a timely reminder that the two-year rolling system can be as punishing as it is rewarding, particularly when a player defends a lucrative title without reaching the final.

Zhao Xintong retains first place in the world rankings despite suffering a quarter-final defeat to Judd Trump at the Centaur. Trump himself returns to third as a result of his run in Cheltenham. Neil Robertson and Wu Yize each drop two places to fourth and fifth respectively, with points earned for reaching the 2024 English Open final now subtracted from their rolling totals — a development that highlights how significantly the two-year system can influence standings even in weeks when neither player competes.

Top 16 Standings After the 2026 British Open

Jones Back on the Rise — and Eyeing a Crucible Return

Perhaps the most compelling storyline in this rankings update belongs to Jak Jones. The Welshman, once ranked as high as 14th in the world and a finalist at the 2024 World Championship, had endured a difficult stretch of results that saw him slip well outside the top 16. His rise to number 22 following the British Open victory represents a genuine resurgence, built on the momentum of his Championship League Snooker triumph earlier this season.

Of greater significance is Jones's provisional Race to the Crucible ranking of 18th. With the top 16 on that list earning automatic places at the World Championship, Jones is within striking distance of securing his return to the Crucible without requiring a qualifying run. Given that he reached the final in Sheffield just two years ago, a place back among the sport's elite would represent a rapid and wholly merited comeback.

Further Movers: Hill and Moody Benefit from Quarter-Final Runs

Outside the top 16, Aaron Hill and Stan Moody both registered quarter-final appearances in Cheltenham, with each player improving to 37th in the world rankings as a result. Quarter-final prize money at a ranking event of this stature provides a meaningful points boost for players operating in the mid-rankings, and both Hill and Moody will look to build on their respective runs as the 2026/27 season continues to develop. The next ranking event on the calendar is the English Open, with the draw and full tournament details already confirmed.