Zhao Xintong, a rising star in the sport of snooker, is on the verge of making history. He seeks to become the fourth player ever to secure the World Snooker Championship title, an achievement that has evaded many and has yet to be realized by any competitor from China. His journey begins with a qualifying campaign set to take place at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, where he must navigate through four rounds to earn a coveted spot in the tournament’s last 32.
The challenge of qualifying for this prestigious event is not unfamiliar, yet it is indeed daunting. Historically, only three players—Alex Higgins in 1972, Terry Griffiths in 1979, and Shaun Murphy in 2005—have successfully triumphed over the qualifiers to claim the ultimate title in snooker. Reflecting on the competitiveness of the qualifiers, Jak Jones of Wales reached the finals last year as a qualifier, only to narrowly lose to the 12th seed, Kyren Wilson, with a score of 18-14 at the Crucible Theatre.
Despite the arduous qualifying rounds awaiting him, Zhao is forecasted to be among the frontrunners for the championship by bookmakers. He is ranked behind only snooker giants such as Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, and John Higgins. This positioning underscores Zhao’s potential and skill in the game, notable traits that the snooker world has come to recognize.
In previous qualifiers, Zhao has demonstrated remarkable talent, notably in advancing to the last 32 of the UK Championship held in York. He achieved impressive victories, including two decisive 6-2 wins over players Noppon Saengkham and Ricky Walden. However, his journey came to a halt when he faced the formidable Shaun Murphy, who edged him out with a closely contested 6-5 win. Murphy himself remarked on the challenges presented in facing Zhao, stating, “It was possibly the worst draw anyone could have had… He’s been absolutely flying.”
Zhao, at just 27 years old, has already had his taste of competitive success at the Crucible, having qualified twice in previous years. His notable win included a spectacular 10-2 victory over Jamie Clarke three years ago, followed by a match against Stephen Maguire, which he unfortunately lost 13-9.
Revered snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has drawn parallels between Zhao and himself, referring to him as a potential “Roger Federer” of snooker due to his inherent talent and capability. O’Sullivan pointed out the need for Zhao to refine certain aspects of his game, stating, “He could do with maybe tightening up… I watch him sometimes and I was a bit like that.”
Zhao is not the only Chinese player making waves in the snooker world; his compatriot Ding Junhui reached the finals of the 2016 World Championship, ultimately losing to Mark Selby in an intense match that culminated in a score of 18-14. This context highlights the growing presence and competitive nature of Chinese players on the global snooker stage.
The qualifying rounds for the World Championship are scheduled from April 7 to April 16 at the English Institute of Sport, with Zhao aiming to make his mark. Following the qualifiers, the main event of the 49th World Championship will commence at the Crucible Theatre on April 19, culminating in the finals set for May 5. Viewers can catch the thrilling snooker action live on TNT Sports and discovery+, making it accessible for fans eager to support Zhao and the other competitors in their quest for snooker glory.