Zhao’s Hong Kong Heist: Rankings Rise, Rivals Rattled
Zhao Xintong’s season has gathered real momentum after a breakthrough week in Hong Kong, where he lifted the World Grand Prix title and surged up the rankings. The Chinese star defeated compatriot Zhang Anda 10–6 in Sunday’s final, claiming the £180,000 winner’s cheque and moving up one place to seventh in the Johnstone’s Paint World Rankings. It marks Zhao’s first ranking title of the season and a timely statement as the campaign heads into its decisive phase.
Zhang may have fallen at the final hurdle, but his run was still richly rewarded. The £80,000 runner-up prize sees him climb from 23rd to 20th in the world rankings, keeping his season firmly on track. There was also good news further down the list for Chang Bingyu, whose last-16 appearance propelled him six places from 62nd to 56th.
Zhao’s victory had an even bigger impact on the Sportsbet.io One Year Rankings. He rockets from 20th to sixth, comfortably securing a spot at next week’s Players Championship in Telford (February 17–22). Zhang also makes the cut, jumping from 28th to 15th to join the elite 16-player field.
The battle to reach the Tour Championship in Manchester is intensifying. Only the top 12 from the One Year list will progress after the remaining counting events — the Players Championship, Welsh Open and World Open. Elliot Slessor currently occupies the final qualifying position, holding a £20,300 cushion over Zhou Yuelong in 13th.
Meanwhile, the Race to the Crucible is entering its final stretch, with just four counting events left before the World Championship seeding is locked in. Ding Junhui sits precariously in 16th, leading Stuart Bingham by £29,350, but neither qualified for Telford — opening the door for the likes of Jack Lisowski, Slessor, Zhang and Zhou to close the gap.
Adding extra intrigue, the £100,000 bonus for the first player to reach 100 centuries is back in play. Mark Selby leads the chase with 53 tons, with Zhao hot on his heels on 52 — another sign that the new champion’s form is peaking at exactly the right time.
Top 16 Johnstone’s Paint World Rankings
1. Judd Trump £1,762,550
2. Kyren Wilson £1,369,200
3. Neil Robertson £1,139,850
4. Mark Williams £975,400
5. John Higgins £839,850
6. Mark Selby £831,350
7. Zhao Xintong £803,550
8. Shaun Murphy £736,800
9. Mark Allen £621,750
10. Xiao Guodong £617,500
11. Ronnie O’Sullivan £585,250
12. Wu Yize £558,900
13. Ding Junhui £550,850
14. Barry Hawkins £541,350
15. Chris Wakelin £541,200
16. Si Jiahui £478,900
