Zhao Xintong secured his first ranking title since winning the world championship last May by dominating Chinese compatriot Zhang Anda 10-6 in the final of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong. The highly anticipated match saw a thrilling contest in front of an appreciative home crowd at the Kai Tak Arena, which was packed to its 4,000-capacity venue.
Zhao, who is currently ranked 23rd in the world, rose to prominence after rekindling his impressive form, scoring five centuries throughout the match and solidifying his position as one of the top players in the sport. His victory was all the more satisfying given that he had been struggling with consistency in recent ranking events.
The final session of the match saw Zhao pull away from Zhang, securing a 7-5 lead before sealing the win with an impressive 131-clearance. This achievement marked not only Zhao's fourth win in ranking finals but also his 100% record in ranking title matches.
Zhao expressed that while he had achieved success in recent non-ranking events, such as winning the Riyadh Season Championship and making it to the last four of the Shanghai Masters and Champion of Champions, he still felt there was room for improvement. "I don't feel that I've completely lifted the pressure of playing as world champion yet," he said.
The World Grand Prix has undoubtedly had a significant impact on Chinese snooker, producing an all-Chinese semi-final line-up at the tournament for the first time in ranking events history. Nine players in the last 16 hailed from Hong Kong, marking a landmark moment for the sport in the region.
Zhao's impressive victory over Zhang marked the culmination of a thrilling match that was eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. His win has further solidified his position as one of the top players in the world and will undoubtedly give him a boost heading into future ranking events.
Zhao, who is currently ranked 23rd in the world, rose to prominence after rekindling his impressive form, scoring five centuries throughout the match and solidifying his position as one of the top players in the sport. His victory was all the more satisfying given that he had been struggling with consistency in recent ranking events.
The final session of the match saw Zhao pull away from Zhang, securing a 7-5 lead before sealing the win with an impressive 131-clearance. This achievement marked not only Zhao's fourth win in ranking finals but also his 100% record in ranking title matches.
Zhao expressed that while he had achieved success in recent non-ranking events, such as winning the Riyadh Season Championship and making it to the last four of the Shanghai Masters and Champion of Champions, he still felt there was room for improvement. "I don't feel that I've completely lifted the pressure of playing as world champion yet," he said.
The World Grand Prix has undoubtedly had a significant impact on Chinese snooker, producing an all-Chinese semi-final line-up at the tournament for the first time in ranking events history. Nine players in the last 16 hailed from Hong Kong, marking a landmark moment for the sport in the region.
Zhao's impressive victory over Zhang marked the culmination of a thrilling match that was eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. His win has further solidified his position as one of the top players in the world and will undoubtedly give him a boost heading into future ranking events.
Zhao Xintong is literally on fire right now! I mean, Zhang Anda put up a good fight but Zhao's consistency is just too strong. And that final session where he sealed the win with a 131-clearance? 
That's like a work of art, mate!
. And for Zhao Xintong, this win is huge for his career - he's now solidified himself as one of the top dogs in the sport.
, but what about the pressure now that he won? is he gonna stay top ranked or will things change soon 
I mean, 5 centuries throughout the match is insane 
seriously though, he's got his work cut out for him if he wants to stay on top, but for now let's just celebrate this amazing win 
! I mean, we're talking about a sport that was basically non-existent in China just a decade ago, and now it's producing top-notch players like Zhao Xintong. The fact that the World Grand Prix has brought more Chinese players into the mix is a huge boost for the sport in the region. And let's be real, 100% record in ranking title matches? 
That's some serious skill right there! I'm definitely keeping an eye on this guy as he moves forward in his career 
He's been dominating in every match, including that epic final against Zhang Anda 
! I mean, 10-6 is a big win for anyone, but especially when you're not ranked #1 yet. 
His stats are insane - 5 centuries in one match? 
It's clear he still has room for improvement, but this win is definitely giving him the confidence boost he needs. 
Bring it on, Zhao! 
. It's all-Chinese semi-final line-up in ranking events history, and now they're taking over Hong Kong 
. This is huge for the sport, and I'm so stoked to see it happening 
. He's proven himself as one of the top players in the world, and with wins like this under his belt, I don't see anyone taking him down 
. Bring it on, future events! 
!