Zhao Xintong Dominates the 2026 Players Championship: The Cyclone Storms to Back-to-Back Titles and Rises to World No. 5!
Zhao Xintong, the Chinese snooker sensation, has once again shown why he’s the best in the world right now. With his stunning 10-7 victory over John Higgins in the final of the 2026 Players Championship, the 28-year-old has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. This triumph follows on the heels of his World Grand Prix victory just two weeks ago, making it back-to-back ranking titles for the reigning World Champion.
Zhao’s incredible journey in Telford began with a nail-biting 6-5 win over Elliot Slessor in the last 16, followed by a dominant 6-3 performance against Shaun Murphy in the quarter-finals. The semi-final saw Zhao narrowly edge out Mark Allen 6-5, setting the stage for his high-stakes showdown with Higgins in the final. And Zhao did not disappoint. From the moment the match began, his consistency and precision were evident, and despite a determined challenge from Higgins, Zhao kept his composure and secured a 10-7 win.
This victory marks Zhao’s fifth ranking title, a significant milestone in his rapidly growing career. With £150,000 in prize money and an impressive high break worth £10,000, he is also now ranked world number 5, continuing his rise through the snooker rankings.
His outstanding form in this tournament—maintaining a perfect 100% win record in professional finals—reaffirms his place as one of the sport’s brightest stars. His recent success adds to his remarkable accomplishments, including his triumph at the World Championship, where he claimed his first-ever Crucible crown.
As Zhao Xintong celebrates his latest win, the snooker world is left in awe of his dazzling form. Having now bagged £1.35 million in prize money over the past 10 months, it’s clear: The Cyclone is in full flight and shows no signs of slowing down. The future of snooker has never looked brighter. With his unmatched skill and determination, Zhao Xintong has cemented his legacy as one of the most exciting players in the game today.
2026 Players Championship Prize Breakdown:
Winner: £150,000
Runner-up: £70,000
Semi-finals: £35,000
Quarter-finals: £20,000
Last 16: £15,000
High Break: £10,000
Total Prize Pool: £500,000
Congratulations to Zhao Xintong—the snooker world champion, the Players Champion, and the player to watch in the years to come!
