Stephen Hendry has tipped Zhao Xintong to dominate the upcoming snooker season, suggesting the 29-year-old will thrive without the burden of defending his world title. The 2025 Crucible champion enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 campaign, winning three major ranking events and an invitational title, but fell short in the World Championship quarter-finals against Shaun Murphy.
Hendry backs Zhao for big season
Speaking on WST's Snooker Club podcast, the seven-time world champion said: 'I tend to think Xintong will dominate this season. I think he's got the monkey off his back from being defending world champion and I think he'll just chill out.' Hendry also expects current world champion Wu Yize to have a strong season, but believes Zhao will shine brightest: 'To be fair, I think him and Wu Yize will have big seasons. Wu Yize might start off a little bit slowly with the world champion expectations. I think Xintong will have a very big season.'
Chinese snooker on the rise
The rise of Chinese snooker continues, with the last two world champions hailing from China. Hendry also tipped 23-year-old Chang Bingyu to win his first professional tournament this season: 'I'm going to stick with Chang Bingyu, I think he will win this season. Another face…I think Luca Brecel might come back this season. Who knows with Luca because he's completely different to anyone on tour. That could be more of a comeback than a breakout but Chang Bingyu has got something a bit special and I think he'll definitely win this season.'
Murphy expects more from Zhou Yuelong
Shaun Murphy, who beat Zhao in the Crucible quarter-finals and went on to finish runner-up, also highlighted Chinese talent. He noted Chang Bingyu's potential after losing 4-0 to him at last season's Welsh Open, where Chang achieved 100% pot success. Murphy also tipped Zhou Yuelong, who has reached four ranking finals without a win: 'Many, many years ago I tipped Zhou Yuelong to go and become a world-beater when he first came on the scene 10 or more years ago. I remember him coming and thinking, jeez this lad's got everything. His technique, his shot selection, his composure round the table, everything seemed world class. That hasn't gone on and it hasn't come to fruition yet, but I use the word 'yet' because people bloom at different stages of their life. I think Zhou Yuelong has still got more to give.'
