Elliot Slessor Faces Zhao Xintong in Players Championship Showdown
Elliot Slessor is set for a formidable challenge in his Players Championship debut on Wednesday, squaring off against world champion Zhao Xintong. This high-stakes match in Telford follows an epic battle between the two players during World Championship qualifying last year in Sheffield, where Slessor pushed Zhao to the limit despite a 10-8 defeat.
A Test of Skill and Endurance
In that qualifying clash, Slessor delivered an impressive performance, crafting breaks of 126, 114, 113, 92, 76, 75, and 73. Zhao, however, responded with runs of 134, 127, 103, 83, and multiple 72s, showcasing his elite prowess. At the time, Zhao had just returned to top-level snooker after a ban, and Slessor admits he was uncertain if his opponent could sustain such high-quality play over two sessions.
'Probably, aye,' Slessor told Metro when asked if it was his best performance in a loss. 'I didn't know if he had two sessions like that in him. I knew he'd won before, but I didn't think he was the finished article.' Despite trailing 6-3 at the interval, Slessor remained confident, telling his grandad he could catch Zhao if given the chance. 'I got back and actually played well, then he just pulled away at the end. That proved to me just how good he was. A phenomenal, phenomenal player.'
Zhao's Unique Playing Style
Slessor highlights Zhao's exceptional talent and unconventional pace as key factors that make him a tough opponent. 'It's strange because he walks so slowly, but the frames disappear so quickly. It's quite weird,' Slessor remarked. 'As soon as you've had a drink of water, wiped your hands and dried them, he's on 60 and you're ready to set them up again!' He noted that their match featured consistent one-visit breaks, contrasting with other tables where players struggled with lower scores.
Reflecting on the defeat, Slessor acknowledged Zhao's potential to become world champion. 'Oh, absolutely,' said the world number 22. 'If he played the way he did in them 18 frames against me, the level he was playing at, without shadow of a doubt.' He added that Zhao's potting ability from difficult positions made him lose frames from seemingly advantageous situations.
Confidence and Ambition for the Future
Despite the loss, Slessor remains confident in his own game as he climbs the rankings. 'I fancy my chances against anybody if I play well and play my game,' he stated. 'If I play well, I feel it takes a very, very special performance to beat us.' However, he cautioned that inconsistency can lead to defeats against any opponent, emphasizing the importance of performance on the day.
Making his first appearance in the Players Championship, which includes only the top 16 on the one-year ranking list, Slessor is still pursuing his first ranking final after reaching five semi-finals. 'Listen, if I keep playing how I play in practice generally, if I perform on a day-to-day basis, I think I'm a top 16 player,' he asserted. He believes that a breakthrough win could transform his career overnight, driven by his strong work ethic and self-belief.
'I know I've got the game. I know I can win,' Slessor concluded. 'I've been close a few times, obviously not close enough, but you keep trying.' The match against Zhao at 7pm on Wednesday will be another opportunity for Slessor to prove his mettle on the snooker stage.
