Zhao Xintong Reflects on World Championship Defeat: “Pressure’s Off” After Crucible Curse Strikes
Zhao Xintong’s defence of his World Championship title came to an end in the quarter-finals, as he was defeated by an inspired Shaun Murphy with a 13-10 scoreline. The match, filled with high-quality snooker, was a gripping contest that saw both players take the initiative. After two evenly matched sessions, the game was tied at 8-8, but it was Murphy who stepped up in the final stretch, winning five of the last seven frames to claim victory.
For Zhao, it was a bittersweet experience. As the defending champion, he had faced the immense pressure of living up to expectations, and while his title defence ended prematurely, the Chinese star took it all in stride. “I’ve learned a lot from this experience, and I’ll use that to get better next season,” he said. Despite the loss, Zhao’s positivity shone through. He acknowledged the tough challenge of defending a title at the prestigious Crucible, referencing the historical “Crucible curse” that has claimed many first-time winners. Zhao became the 21st such player to fail to defend the title successfully, a fact he seemed to accept with grace.
Murphy, who had not won the World Championship since 2005, put on a stunning performance. He was able to maintain a high level of consistency and composure under pressure, something Zhao credited as key to his defeat. Zhao, reflecting on the match, praised Murphy’s ability to pot under pressure and noted how the Englishman had adapted his break-off style, making it more difficult for both players to get into a rhythm.
With the season now behind him, Zhao is looking forward to a break and a return to China. “I’m happy this season—I won four trophies,” he said, focusing on the positives. “Now I’m looking forward to a rest and will come back stronger next season.” His optimism and resilience in the face of a tough loss demonstrate the mentality of a champion, one who sees setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Meanwhile, Murphy’s win propels him into the semi-finals, where he will face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Neil Robertson and John Higgins. Murphy’s performance was hailed by pundits as “world-class,” with Steve Davis and Ken Doherty both praising his commanding display, with Doherty describing it as “magical.” For Murphy, the prospect of a second World Championship title, 21 years after his first, is within reach.
