Snooker great Stephen Hendry has declared that world champion Zhao Xintong possesses a unique talent for making the demanding sport look deceptively simple, following the Chinese star's remarkable performance at the Champion of Champions tournament in Leicester.
Hendry's High Praise for The Cyclone
Providing expert analysis for ITV4, the seven-time world champion was left in awe of Zhao's ability. Hendry stated, ‘He is incredible, he makes the game look so easy. Probably more easy than anyone in the game. What a player. What a talent.’ This glowing endorsement came after Zhao secured his spot in the tournament's semi-finals with two impressive victories on Tuesday, November 12, 2025.
A Day of Dramatic Triumphs
Zhao Xintong's journey to the semi-final was nothing short of extraordinary. Having only landed in the UK at 8am on Tuesday morning, he travelled directly from Manchester to Leicester for his first match against Mark Allen. Displaying no signs of jet lag, the 28-year-old produced a stunning performance, whitewashing Allen 4-0. The Northern Irishman potted a solitary ball in the entire match as Zhao fired in breaks of 60, 78, and 76.
Allen took the heavy defeat in good spirits, later posting on X: ‘It was a very good red, I thought.’
The drama intensified in Zhao's evening match against Kyren Wilson. Finding himself 5-3 down, Zhao mounted a spectacular comeback, eventually clinching a 6-5 victory on the final black of the deciding frame. Despite visible exhaustion, he summoned breaks of 136, 64, and 58 in the last three frames to secure the win.
‘There were a few yawns in the chair, but Zhao Xintong found something from somewhere,’ Hendry remarked on the broadcast.
World Champion Mentality Shines Through
Reflecting on his comeback, Zhao revealed his champion's mindset. ‘I was just thinking I don’t want Kyren to win so easy,’ he said. ‘I got some luck in the last two frames.’ This attitude particularly impressed Hendry, who saw it as a mark of a true winner. ‘That’s great, that’s world champion talk,’ Hendry added. ‘Every time I see him play he impresses me more and more.’
While Wilson credited Zhao for the victory, he expressed frustration with the playing conditions at the Mattioli Arena, specifically citing issues with the levelling of the Rasson tables.
This return to form is a welcome sight for Zhao, who has experienced a ‘lean time’ since his maiden World Championship triumph in Sheffield earlier this year, where he beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals and Mark Williams in the final.
Zhao's win sets up a blockbuster semi-final clash with world number one Judd Trump on Friday. This will be their first meeting since January 2022, when Zhao defeated Trump in the German Masters quarter-finals.
