Hong Kong – Zhao Xintong secured his fourth ranking title, defeating Zhang Anda in the Hong Kong Masters final on January 21, 2024. The victory marks a significant moment for Chinese snooker, showcasing the growing dominance of players from the nation on the world stage.
A Champion Still Finding His Footing
Despite his success, Zhao Xintong acknowledges the pressure of being world champion and strives for greater consistency in his game.
- Zhao Xintong defeated Zhang Anda to win the Hong Kong Masters.
- This is Zhao’s fourth ranking title, maintaining a perfect record in ranking finals.
- The tournament featured the first all-Chinese semi-final lineup in a ranking event.
- Zhao admits he still feels pressure as world champion and seeks improved consistency.
“I don’t feel that I’ve completely lifted the pressure of playing as world champion yet,” Zhao said, continuing his flawless record in ranking finals with his fourth win in as many attempts. He had previously struggled in ranking events this season, failing to advance past the second round in nine of eleven tournaments, but found success in non-ranking events, winning the Riyadh Season Championship in November and reaching the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters and Champion of Champions.
What is Zhao Xintong’s record in ranking finals? Zhao Xintong has a perfect record, winning all four of his ranking finals.
The first session of the final was tightly contested, ending in a 4-4 draw. Zhao made impressive breaks of 130 and 145 in the sixth and seventh frames, but 34-year-old Zhang, aiming for his second ranking title in his fourth final appearance, responded with four breaks exceeding 50.
Zhao elevated his performance in the evening session, taking three of the next four frames to establish a 7-5 lead, highlighted by a break of 111. World number 23 Zhang came close to a maximum 147 break in the 13th frame, potting 10 reds and nine blacks before falling short on 73.
Zhao then extended his advantage with a 134 break, followed by a 65, bringing him within one frame of victory. He ultimately sealed the win and the £180,000 prize with a decisive 131 clearance.
The tournament was a landmark event for Chinese snooker, hosting the first all-Chinese semi-final lineup in a ranking event. Furthermore, nine of the sixteen players reaching the last 16 in Hong Kong were from China, demonstrating the nation’s rising prominence in the sport.
