The snooker world is buzzing after three-time world champion Mark Williams sparked a heated debate by making a bold Ronnie O’Sullivan claim following the Tour Championship final. In a move that surprised many, the Welsh legend suggested that reigning world champion Zhao Xintong has surpassed the seven-time champion in terms of sheer entertainment value.
The comments followed a clinical performance by Zhao, who dismantled world number one Judd Trump with a 10-3 victory in Manchester. The dominant display not only secured Zhao a prize of £150,000 but served as a stark reminder of the Chinese star’s current trajectory as he prepares for the upcoming World Championship.
Zhao’s rise has been meteoric. The 29-year-ancient etched his name into the history books in 2025 when he became China’s first-ever world champion, defeating Williams in the final. His current form is nearly unprecedented. he is currently the only player to have secured multiple ranking titles this year, with three trophies already in his cabinet.
While Williams is known for his candid nature, comparing any player to Ronnie O’Sullivan—widely regarded as the greatest to ever pick up a cue—is a high-stakes gambit. The exchange began on social media, where Williams’ initial thoughts were delivered in his characteristically cryptic style, leading to a flurry of confusion among fans.
Clarifying the ‘Better to Watch’ Debate
The controversy peaked when a fan challenged Williams, arguing that Zhao could not possibly be a better overall player than O’Sullivan. Williams was quick to correct the interpretation of his remarks, drawing a sharp line between technical superiority and the aesthetic experience of watching a match.
“I never said that, I said he’s better to watch now than Ronnie,” Williams clarified.
For those who have followed the sport for decades, the distinction is critical. O’Sullivan’s legacy is built on a combination of rapid-fire scoring and a unique, instinctive approach to the game. However, Williams’ claim suggests that Zhao’s current peak—characterized by aggressive potting and a fearless temperament—is providing a more compelling spectacle for the modern audience.
This shift in perspective comes at a time when the professional circuit is seeing a significant redistribution of power. The 2025/26 season has been one of the most volatile in recent memory, with a wide array of talent challenging the established guard.
A Wide-Open Field Heading to the Crucible
As the tour heads toward the World Championship, the statistical landscape suggests we are entering one of the most open tournaments in the history of the Crucible. The dominance of a few select players has been replaced by a broader spread of success.
Currently, thirteen of the top 16 players in the world have won at least one title during the 2025/26 season. The only exceptions to this trend among the elite are Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ding Junhui, and Si Jiahui. This level of parity means that seeding will offer less protection than usual, as almost every top-tier player enters the fray with winning momentum.
Zhao Xintong enters the event as the top seed and defending champion, carrying the weight of a nation and the momentum of his Tour Championship victory. His path, however, remains treacherous. Because he and O’Sullivan are both situated in the top half of the draw, a potential semi-final clash between the two looms—a match that would pit the “better to watch” contender against the gold standard of the game.
The Road to the Final: Key Matchups
The draw has set the stage for several high-voltage encounters. While Zhao and O’Sullivan are the headline acts of the upper bracket, O’Sullivan faces a potential second-round “blockbuster” against John Higgins, another titan of the game. Other threats in that half include Shaun Murphy and world number three Neil Robertson.
Mark Williams, the man who sparked the debate, finds himself in the bottom half of the draw. He will navigate a path that includes formidable opponents such as Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Kyren Wilson, and Barry Hawkins. The separation of the draw ensures that if both Williams and Zhao reach the final, it would be a rematch of the 2025 World Championship final.
| Seed/Player | Opponent | Draw Half |
|---|---|---|
| Zhao Xintong (1) | TBC | Top |
| Judd Trump (2) | TBC | Bottom |
| Kyren Wilson (3) | TBC | Bottom |
| Neil Robertson (4) | TBC | Top |
| John Higgins (5) | TBC | Top |
What Which means for the Sport
The psychological impact of Williams’ comments cannot be understated. In a sport where mental fortitude is as important as technical skill, having a peer of Williams’ stature publicly label you as the most exciting player to watch is a massive confidence boost. For Zhao, it validates his transition from a rising star to the definitive face of the game’s current era.
For the fans, the “better to watch” claim provides a narrative thread that will follow both players into the Crucible. Whether Zhao can maintain this level of dominance or whether O’Sullivan can reclaim his status as the ultimate entertainer will be a primary storyline of the tournament.
The qualifying rounds for the World Championship officially commenced on Monday. Over the next few days, four grueling rounds of qualifying will take place to determine the final 16 players who will join the seeds in the main draw. These matches are often the most intense of the year, as players fight for the chance to step onto the most famous table in snooker.
The next major checkpoint for the sport will be the conclusion of these qualifying rounds, which will finalize the bracket and set the exact dates for the first-round clashes. With the seeds already locked in, the focus now shifts to which hungry qualifiers will attempt to spoil the parties of the world’s elite.
Do you agree with Mark Williams? Is Zhao Xintong currently the most exciting player to watch on the tour, or does Ronnie O’Sullivan still hold the crown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
