Chinese snooker star Zhao Xintong delivered a commanding performance to win the 2026 Players Championship. He defeated four-time world champion John Higgins 10-7 in a thrilling final in Telford. Consequently, Zhao secured the massive £150,000 top prize and claimed his second consecutive ranking title.
The match remained incredibly close throughout the afternoon. However, Zhao completely took control of the table during the evening session.
Trailing 7-6, the 28-year-old reigning world champion suddenly flipped a switch. He reeled off four straight frames to secure the incredible victory. This latest triumph maintains his absolutely perfect record in title-deciding matches.
Zhao has now won all five of his first ranking finals. Therefore, he joins a highly exclusive club of snooker legends. Only Steve Davis, Mark Williams, and Neil Robertson have ever achieved this remarkable feat in the sport’s history.
“Poetry in Motion”
Higgins put up a fierce fight early in the match. The Scottish veteran initially controlled the opening session to establish a 2-0 lead. However, he simply could not keep pace with Zhao’s relentless late surge.
Zhao finished the match with breathtaking back-to-back centuries of 104 and 126. He then closed out the tournament with a silky break of 92. Following the grueling contest, Higgins graciously praised his younger opponent’s immense talent.
“I am sure my kids are lucky that they have watched somebody like Xintong because he is an absolute genius,” Higgins stated. “The last three frames there, it was absolute poetry in motion. I think he will be the man to beat at the World Championship this year.”
The Ageless Contender Falls Short
While Higgins suffered a tough loss, he enjoyed a phenomenal tournament run. The 50-year-old reached his record-extending 60th career ranking final this week.
If he had won the match, Higgins would have become the oldest ranking event winner in snooker history. However, the legendary player fell just short of claiming that specific milestone.
Meanwhile, Zhao currently looks absolutely unstoppable. Fresh off his recent victory at the World Grand Prix, the “Cyclone” heads toward his highly anticipated World Championship title defense brimming with total confidence.
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