Snooker: Zhao Xintong Produces Commanding Finish to Beat John Higgins in Telford Players Championship Final
Chinese world champion Zhao Xintong produced a commanding finish to beat John Higgins 10-7 in the Players Championship final in Telford, a result that matters for snooker rankings and for the narrative of a rising star consolidating momentum after recent success.
Final was finely poised before Zhao’s late charge
The final between Higgins and Zhao had been finely poised for much of the match. In the opening session John Higgins opened up a 2-0 lead before Zhao drew level. The contest swung through multiple momentum changes: Zhao went ahead for the first time to lead 4-3, only for Higgins to respond with a 90-scoring frame to bring the match back level. Frames continued to be traded into the evening session, keeping the outcome uncertain until the late stages.
Snooker: how Zhao seized control from 7-6 down
When the match reached 7-6 with Zhao trailing, he shifted decisively. Zhao took control from 7-6 down, producing successive centuries as he moved into the lead and then winning four straight frames to close out the match 10-7. The closing sequence was described in the coverage as a virtuoso display of snooker; Zhao hit his fifth century to seal what was called a 'ridiculously easy' final win once he assumed control.
Five ranking wins and back-to-back titles
Zhao Xintong has now won five ranking events. The Players Championship victory is his second straight ranking title, following triumph at the World Grand Prix earlier this month. That run makes him the fourth player to win all of his first five ranking finals, joining the list of Steve Davis, Mark Williams and Neil Robertson in that specific achievement.
What the result means for John Higgins and the record books
The defeat denied four-time world champion John Higgins the chance to become the oldest winner of a ranking event at the age of 50. Higgins acknowledged the quality of Zhao's play after the match, saying, "I'm sure my kids are lucky that they've watched somebody like Xintong because he is an absolute genius. " He added that "the last three frames there it was absolutely poetry in motion. I think he'll be the man to beat at the World Championship this year. "
Earlier form and highlights from the season
Zhao's recent form includes the World Grand Prix victory earlier this month; highlights from that event include an incredible first frame between Wakelin and Zhao in their World Grand Prix clash. The Players Championship win builds on that momentum, with Zhao's succession of high breaks underlining a dominant period that now spans consecutive ranking events.
Looking ahead after Telford
The Players Championship result cements Zhao Xintong's standing after five ranking wins and consecutive titles, while leaving John Higgins reflecting on a high-quality final that slipped away late on. Details on next events and schedules are unclear in the provided context. Recent coverage emphasised the scale of Zhao's performance and its potential implications for the remainder of the season.
