Zhao Xintong Shines Again: Celebrating His Triumph at the World Grand Prix

Zhao Xintong has once again proven his mastery in the world of snooker by clinching his first ranking title since his remarkable victory as world champion last May. His recent triumph came at the World Grand Prix held in Hong Kong, where he faced off against fellow compatriot Zhang Anda and emerged victorious with a score of 10-6.

A High-Quality Contest

The final, held in the impressive Kai Tak Arena, was witnessed by a supportive home crowd of 4,000, adding to the electric atmosphere. This match marked the third all-Chinese final in ranking event history, a testament to the rising prominence of Chinese players in the sport. Zhao’s performance included an impressive five century breaks during the match, showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication.

The Road to Victory

Despite earlier struggles in ranking events this season, Zhao’s determination shone through as he rediscovered the form that saw him lift the World Championship trophy. With previous setbacks of not advancing past the second round in nine out of 11 attempts, Zhao demonstrated resilience by also achieving success in non-ranking events, including the Riyadh Season Championship.

Looking Ahead

Although Zhao expressed that he has yet to fully relieve the pressure of being a world champion, his consistent performance during the tournament marks a significant milestone in his career. The victory not only elevates him to seventh in the world but also reinforces his untarnished record in ranking finals, with four wins out of four. Zhao’s trajectory in the sport is a source of inspiration for aspiring players and a moment of pride for Chinese snooker fans.

This tournament may indeed signal the dawn of a new era in Chinese snooker, as evidenced by the historic all-Chinese semi-finals and a strong showing in the last sixteen. Zhao's victory could pave the way for further achievements, both personally and for his peers in the competitive landscape of professional snooker.