Zhao Xintong completed an unprecedented Players Series hat-trick by winning the Tour Championship, adding to his earlier victories at the World Grand Prix and Players Championship this season. The reigning world champion, who is China's first ever snooker world champion, secured the historic achievement in the final against Judd Trump. After his win, Zhao acknowledged his opponent's quality while reflecting on his own performance, saying he was lucky during the Tour Championship final against Judd Trump.
Trump reached the final after a tense 10-9 quarter-final victory over Shaun Murphy that went to a deciding frame. The world number one, who currently holds the top ranking in snooker, praised Zhao's recent form after their match, stating that Zhao Xintong has been the best player in the world over the last two months.
I'm really happy that tonight I could win the final. Judd Trump is my favourite player, so I know that he is a very, very good player. Tonight I played really well. I know that Trump had some problems with his tip, which gave me some easy chances. I was lucky tonight, but I'm really happy. It was a very important win for me, and it's a big moment in my career. I was hoping that I could keep going and not lose in the final.
Zhao now faces the challenge of defending his world title at the Crucible, where historical trends present significant obstacles. No first-time winner has ever successfully defended their world championship at the Sheffield venue, a phenomenon known as the 'Crucible curse.' Additionally, no player has ever reached a Players Championship or Tour Championship final and then progressed to a World Championship final in the same season. Whether Zhao can break these patterns remains uncertain as he prepares for the sport's biggest tournament.
During the Tour Championship final, Trump altered his cue tip, a technical adjustment that may have affected his performance. The world number one also expressed difficulties with the venue, saying he struggles at the Tour Championship venue and may not concentrate as hard due to focusing on the World Championship.
Over the last two months, Zhao has been the best player in the world. I always enjoy the challenge – it's up to me to go away and try to improve. I'm just disappointed because the crowd spurred me on. Zhao has had an amazing tournament, he has been brilliant in these three [Players Series] events and won them all very convincingly. It's nice to see someone from China come through, in the way he plays. He's going to be around for a long time. It's up to me and the other players to play well against him, otherwise he's going to end his career with 100 tournaments. There will be a lot of practice for me over the next two weeks, and hopefully I will turn up at the World Championship ready to go.
Other players have recognized Zhao's exceptional talent and potential. John Higgins backed Zhao Xintong to win the Tour Championship. Judd Trump echoed this sentiment about Zhao's future impact, adding that it's nice to see someone from China come through in the way he plays.
Mark Allen offered harsh self-criticism after his defeat to Trump in the tournament, describing his performance as embarrassing. The Crucible's future as the World Championship venue appears secure for now, with the iconic Sheffield arena confirmed to host the event until 2045. How Allen regains his confidence before the World Championship, and whether Trump's equipment adjustments and venue struggles significantly impacted his Tour Championship performance, remain open questions as the snooker season approaches its climax.
I struggle in this venue, I've always struggled and I don't know why. It was the first time I've played half decent here, so maybe I've turned a corner now. There's no real reason, I just already have one eye on the World Championship at this point, so maybe I'm not concentrating as hard on this tournament. Any kind of result here is just a bonus for me.
Before that my cueing was all over the place. I didn't know where I was aiming. He shaped the tip and made it more reactive, I was able to get more power when I needed it.