Zhao Xintong, the reigning world champion, enters the Masters tournament this week navigating a landscape drastically altered by his own success. The thrill of the hunt has given way to the weight of expectation, a shift he openly acknowledges has been challenging.
His victory at the Crucible last year was a revelation, a dominant run against seasoned legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams. It wasn’t simply winning; it was the manner of victory, a confident stride to the title that captivated the snooker world.
Returning to the professional circuit, however, has been a different story. While flashes of brilliance – like his triumph in Riyadh – have emerged, consistent dominance has proven elusive. The pressure, he admits, is a constant companion now.
“It sounds easy to just enjoy every match,” Zhao confessed, “but it’s incredibly difficult when you’re playing. I’m learning to control the pressure, to find that enjoyment on the table like the top players do.”
The dynamic has fundamentally changed. No longer the underdog with nothing to lose, he’s now the target, the champion everyone wants to defeat. This realization has sparked a period of introspection and adaptation.
“Last year at the Crucible, I wasn’t a highly ranked player. I expected to lose against Ronnie and Mark, but I just wanted to fight. Now, everyone wants to beat me. Everything is different, and it’s fascinating.”
Beyond the pressures of the game, Zhao is embracing the newfound celebrity that comes with being a world champion, particularly in his native China. He’s experiencing a world beyond the snooker hall, attending fashion shows and exploring cultural landmarks.
A recent visit to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, supporting a team connected to his childhood through compatriot Sun Jihai, provided a memorable experience, even if the result on the pitch wasn’t ideal. “I really enjoyed it, even though Manchester City lost,” he said with a smile.
His interests extend beyond football, with a keen admiration for tennis star Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic gold medalist. “She’s very good,” Zhao remarked, “I haven’t met her yet, but maybe in the future.”
Dividing his time between China and Sheffield, Zhao finds solace in the support of his girlfriend, who accompanies him on his travels. However, the looming question of defending his World Championship title at the Crucible remains largely unaddressed.
“I don’t want to think about that right now,” he stated firmly. “Thinking about one more thing just adds more pressure.” Yet, when pressed, he acknowledged the legendary “Crucible Curse” as a very real phenomenon.
The future of the Crucible itself is uncertain, with its contract expiring in 2027. Zhao hopes the tournament remains at its historic home. “Hopefully it can stay there. It’s my lucky place. It’s very important to me; I live in Sheffield and won the trophy there.”
This week, Zhao sets his sights on completing the Triple Crown at the Masters, facing Gary Wilson in the opening round. He’s determined to approach the tournament with the same mindset he brings to every competition, avoiding the trap of added pressure.
“I lost to John Higgins last time I played here,” he recalled, referring to his 2022 appearance. “I didn’t enjoy that too much, but hopefully this time I can enjoy it and win a few matches. I try to play every tournament the same.”
