Zhao Xintong: The Chinese Phenom Ready to Shatter the Crucible Curse and Dominate Snooker for a Decade
Zhao Xintong, the Chinese snooker sensation, is poised to become one of the sport’s all-time greats as he approaches his 29th birthday this Friday, April 3, 2026. Having already made history as the first Chinese player to win the World Championship in 2025, Zhao’s meteoric rise is nothing short of extraordinary. With the 2026 World Championships fast approaching, he is already a favorite to defend his title, despite the daunting ‘Crucible Curse’—a phenomenon where no first-time champion has successfully retained the crown since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977.
Zhao’s blend of effortless style and attacking flair has earned him admiration from snooker legends. John Higgins, who himself fell victim to the curse in 1999, believes Zhao is the one player capable of breaking it, praising his ability to win frames with ease and his exceptional shot-making. Barry Hawkins shares this optimism, acknowledging that if anyone can overcome the curse, it is Zhao.
The question on everyone’s mind is how many World Championships Zhao can win. Already a World Champion and with victories in the 2021 UK Championship and 2022 German Masters, Zhao’s potential is limitless. Seven-time World Champion Stephen Hendry predicts that Zhao could win four or five World titles, citing his natural talent and his ability to play with a carefree confidence. His exciting, aggressive style of play has made him a national hero in China, and the backing of major sponsors is sure to follow.
As Zhao continues to dominate the snooker scene, his future looks brighter than ever. With a career that could span another 10 to 15 years, the question remains: how many World Championships will this young star claim before his career ends? Only time will tell, but the future of snooker seems in safe hands.
