Zhao Set to Shine at The Masters: White Confident China’s Rising Star Will Thrive Under London Spotlight
Despite feeling that Zhao could improve certain aspects of his preparation, White has full confidence that the young star will remain unfazed by the pressure of playing in front of a passionate crowd. Speaking ahead of the Masters, White emphasized Zhao’s composure and natural ability, pointing out that the environment in London wouldn’t throw him off. “He has been practicing in China and will be fine out there with the London crowd,” White explained. “Zhao is so easy on the eye when he plays; snooker fans in the UK will certainly appreciate his skill and style.”
White’s endorsement reflects Zhao’s growing reputation on the snooker circuit. The Chinese player, who has shown flashes of brilliance in recent tournaments, enters the 2025-2026 Masters as one of the most exciting talents in the game. His poised demeanor, coupled with a fluid playing style, has earned him admiration from both players and fans alike. Despite being relatively new to the biggest stage, Zhao’s ability to handle pressure and produce spectacular snooker seems to be one of his strongest assets.
The tournament, which kicked off on Sunday afternoon, saw defending champion Shaun Murphy suffer an early defeat to rising star Wu Yize. Murphy’s loss in the opening round was a shock to many, as the Englishman had been widely tipped to make a strong defense of his title. However, Wu’s skill and determination were evident, and the upset served as a reminder of just how unpredictable snooker can be. The Masters is always full of surprises, and this year is shaping up to be no exception. For Zhao, the crowd’s support in London could be the perfect environment for him to continue his journey toward snooker stardom.
