Zhao Xintong Poised to Break Snooker’s Legendary ‘Crucible Curse’
Since the World Championship moved to Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in 1977, no first-time winner has successfully defended the title the following year. Twenty men who claimed their maiden world crown at the Crucible have all failed in their title defenses.
Notable past failures
Even the game’s greatest stars have been undone. Stephen Hendry won six world titles across seven years from 1990 to 1996. He was, however, beaten 13-11 by Steve James in the 1991 quarter-final.
Steve Davis lifted his first world title in 1981 but lost 10-1 to Tony Knowles in the 1982 first round. Ronnie O’Sullivan won in 2001 and then fell 17-13 to Hendry in the 2002 semi-final.
Joe Johnson and Ken Doherty both returned to the final after their maiden victories but could not retain the crown. Overall, only four players have ever won back-to-back world titles: Davis, Hendry, O’Sullivan and Mark Selby.
Zhao Xintong’s rise
Zhao Xintong became China’s first world snooker champion last May. He reached the title after a run that included a 13-10 second-round win over compatriot Lei Peifan.
That 13-10 result was the only time an opponent was within six frames of Zhao when he reached the winning line. He had earlier won four matches to qualify for the Crucible. At that time he competed as an amateur following his return from a match-fixing ban the previous September.
Now 26, Zhao is again a full professional. He sits at world No 4 despite not yet having a complete season of results under the two-year ranking cycle. Filmogaz.com notes he could reach world No 1 as soon as next month or next season.
Current form and achievements
Zhao has claimed four titles this season. He won all three Players Series events in the space of two months: the World Grand Prix, the Players Championship and the Tour Championship.
In the Tour Championship final he beat world No 1 Judd Trump 10-3. He demolished John Higgins 10-1 in the semi-final of that event. He had also beaten Higgins 10-7 in the Players Championship final.
He has won each of the six ranking finals he has reached. Only Steve Davis began his career with more consecutive final victories, with seven.
Can Zhao end the Crucible run?
Many observers now see Zhao Xintong poised to break the Crucible Curse. His fearless style and calm demeanour have drawn particular attention.
He appears physically suited to the 17-day tournament and mentally hardened by his earlier ban and comeback. That combination makes him a credible candidate to overcome the famous hoodoo.
Main challengers
There will be strong opposition. Ronnie O’Sullivan seeks a record eighth world title. He reached the World Open final recently and won an exhibition event last weekend. He has signalled improving form.
World No 1 Judd Trump reached five finals this season. He owns the German Masters trophy but seeks a second world championship.
Mark Selby remains a contender after victories at the UK Championship and Champion of Champions. Neil Robertson has recovered form. Kyren Wilson, despite losing at the Crucible last year, won his first Masters in January.
John Higgins, aged 50, has hit three finals this season. Mark Williams also remains a threat on the biggest stage.
The Crucible Curse is a long-standing snooker phenomenon. Whether Zhao can lift the weight of history and retain the title will be watched closely. There is only one way to find out.
