Zhao Xintong Delivers a Masterclass to Claim First Ranking Title Since Becoming World Champion
In a thrilling finale, Chinese prodigy Zhao Xintong defeated his compatriot Zhang Anda 10-6 in the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, claiming his first ranking title since being crowned world champion last May. The sold-out Kai Tak Arena crowd was treated to an exceptional contest that saw both players exhibit top-notch snooker.
Zhao's victory marked a significant milestone for Chinese snooker, with nine of the 16 players in the last 16 hail from Hong Kong. This landmark tournament also produced the first all-Chinese semi-final line-up at a ranking event, showcasing the rising talent within the sport.
Zhao's success was a result of his consistent form and ability to raise his game when it mattered most. He made successive breaks of 130 and 145 in the sixth and seventh frames but struggled initially against Zhang. However, Zhao eventually found his rhythm, scoring heavily in the evening session to take a two-frame lead.
The Chinese player sealed his victory with a 131 clearance, a fitting finish to what has been an outstanding tournament for both players. For Zhao, this win marked his fourth ranking title and cemented his position as one of the top players in the world. Despite acknowledging that he still feels pressure playing as world champion, Zhao expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to continue learning from the best.
Zhang's performance was commendable, with four breaks of more than 50 in the first session. However, he ultimately fell short against a player who was determined to make history.
Zhao Xintong's victory marked a new chapter in his career as a top-class snooker player, and fans can expect more exciting moments from this talented Chinese talent.
In a thrilling finale, Chinese prodigy Zhao Xintong defeated his compatriot Zhang Anda 10-6 in the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, claiming his first ranking title since being crowned world champion last May. The sold-out Kai Tak Arena crowd was treated to an exceptional contest that saw both players exhibit top-notch snooker.
Zhao's victory marked a significant milestone for Chinese snooker, with nine of the 16 players in the last 16 hail from Hong Kong. This landmark tournament also produced the first all-Chinese semi-final line-up at a ranking event, showcasing the rising talent within the sport.
Zhao's success was a result of his consistent form and ability to raise his game when it mattered most. He made successive breaks of 130 and 145 in the sixth and seventh frames but struggled initially against Zhang. However, Zhao eventually found his rhythm, scoring heavily in the evening session to take a two-frame lead.
The Chinese player sealed his victory with a 131 clearance, a fitting finish to what has been an outstanding tournament for both players. For Zhao, this win marked his fourth ranking title and cemented his position as one of the top players in the world. Despite acknowledging that he still feels pressure playing as world champion, Zhao expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to continue learning from the best.
Zhang's performance was commendable, with four breaks of more than 50 in the first session. However, he ultimately fell short against a player who was determined to make history.
Zhao Xintong's victory marked a new chapter in his career as a top-class snooker player, and fans can expect more exciting moments from this talented Chinese talent.
the fact that he's chinese doesn't make him better than everyone else it's just snooker and people are just excited cuz they want to see china on top but honestly zhao's game is overrated 
I'm loving the fact that Zhao Xintong broke through with another ranking title! It's so inspiring to see him overcome pressure and seal the win 
He's been on fire lately, and it's great to see all that hard work paying off 
What I find really cool is how this milestone cements China's presence in snooker - we've got some serious talent emerging from the East 
And yeah, Zhang gave him a run for his money, but ultimately Zhao's experience and skill won out 
Can't wait to see what he does next! 
. it's crazy to think about how far chinese players have come in terms of ranking titles now, especially with all those hong kong guys making deep runs too 
China is on fire! 
I mean, seriously though, Zhao Xintong has been dominating the world of snooker since becoming world champion last year, and it's amazing to see him claim his first ranking title with such a thrilling win over Zhang Anda 
. The fact that nine out of 16 players in the last 16 were from Hong Kong just shows how far Chinese snooker has come 
. He still feels pressure playing as world champion, but he's willing to learn and improve - that's what it takes to stay at the top! 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good 131 clearance 
!
it's always some buffering or pixelated mess. can't even enjoy the thrill of the match without interruptions. 
he's on fire rn! chinese snooker is killin it right now, and i'm so hyped to see more players from asia break into the top tier 
. zhao's consistency is insane, and that 131 clearance was pure perfection 
. cant wait to see what he does next