Zhao Xintong’s Bright Start Overshadowed by Surprise Championship League Exit
Zhao Xintong began the 2026/27 snooker season in spectacular fashion, producing a stunning 140 total clearance in only the second frame of his campaign. The reigning World Champion looked every bit the player expected to challenge for more silverware, opening his Championship League campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Simon Blackwell.
The Chinese star continued to impress with another high-quality display, defeating Gao Yang 3-1 while adding a superb 105 break to his tally. Earlier, Zhao had also fired in a classy 139 against David Grace, underlining the scoring power that has made him one of the game’s most exciting talents.
However, despite remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage, Zhao’s hopes of reaching the last 32 ended in heartbreaking fashion. A 2-2 draw with Grace in the decisive match proved costly, as the Englishman advanced on frame difference after recording two emphatic 3-0 victories over the same opponents. That single dropped frame ultimately denied Zhao a place in the next phase of the competition.
Grace now progresses to Group A, where he will face Zak Surety, Lio Hongyu and Lei Peifan. Surety secured top spot in Group 32 after impressive 3-1 victories over Gong Chenzhi and Matthew Selt, along with a 2-2 draw against Andrew Higginson to finish on seven points.
Although Zhao’s early exit comes as a surprise, there were plenty of positives to take from his performances. Three century breaks, including magnificent efforts of 140, 139 and 105, demonstrated that his scoring game is already in outstanding shape at the start of the new campaign.
Attention now turns to China’s upcoming ranking events, where Zhao will continue his pursuit of world No. 1. Currently 479,000 ranking points behind Judd Trump, the World Champion could significantly close the gap in the coming weeks, with Trump set to lose 500,000 ranking points following the Wuhan Open. Strong runs at both the China Open and Wuhan Open could put Zhao within touching distance of the sport’s top ranking as the new season gathers momentum.
