LEICESTER — In a commanding display of break-building and tactical poise, Zhao Xintong defeated his compatriot Zhang Anda 10-6 in an all-Chinese final to claim the 2024 World Grand Prix title at the Morningside Arena. The victory marks Zhao's first ranking title since his stunning triumph at the 2022 World Championship, signaling a powerful return to form for the player once dubbed snooker's "Cyclone."
The final, a best-of-19-frame affair, was a masterclass in modern attacking snooker, punctuated by moments of high tension. Zhao, the world number 11, seized control early and never truly relinquished it, compiling five century breaks over the course of the match to Zhang's two. The win earns Zhao the £100,000 top prize and a significant boost in confidence as he aims to climb back into the world's top 10.
A Resurgent Champion Finds His Rhythm
Since his Crucible coronation in May 2022, Zhao's journey had been one of unexpected turbulence. A subsequent suspension as part of a wider match-fixing investigation in January 2023 saw him sidelined for nearly a year. His return to the tour in late 2023 was met with understandable rust, making this week's performance in Leicester all the more significant. Speaking after the final, Zhao reflected on the difficult period, stating, "The last year has been the toughest of my life. To be back here, holding a trophy again, means everything. It proves to me that I can still compete at the very top."
His path to the final was a statement of intent. He dispatched former world champion Shaun Murphy 4-1 in the last 16, before overcoming a stern test from Tom Ford 5-3 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, he faced the in-form Judd Trump, who had been in devastating scoring form all season. In a high-quality match, Zhao held his nerve to win 6-4, a victory that many pundits saw as the true turning point of his tournament.
Zhang Anda's Valiant Pursuit Falls Short
For Zhang Anda, the runner-up, the week represented another milestone in a career-best season that has seen him claim his maiden ranking title at the 2023 English Open and break into the world's top 16. Known as "Mighty Mouse" for his powerful cue action despite a slight frame, Zhang battled bravely throughout the final. He kept pace with Zhao in the early stages, responding to his opponent's centuries with breaks of 131 and 107 of his own to trail just 5-4 after the first session.
The evening session, however, belonged to Zhao. He won three of the first four frames upon the resumption to extend his lead to 8-5. Zhang dug deep to take the 14th frame, but Zhao's relentless scoring power proved decisive. A break of 65 in the 15th frame put him one away from victory at 9-6, and he sealed the deal in the next with a composed 84. Zhang was gracious in defeat, saying, "Zhao played unbelievably well. He was the better player today. For me, to reach another final shows my game is consistent, and I will try again."
Key Moments of the Final
The match turned on several crucial passages of play where Zhao's superior long potting and safety game came to the fore:
- Frame 10: With the score at 5-4, Zhao won a protracted safety battle and cleared with 73 to go two frames clear, a psychological blow.
- Frame 12: Zhao's fifth century of the match, a flawless 120, restored his three-frame cushion at 7-5 after Zhang had pulled one back.
- Frame 15: Needing just one more frame for victory, Zhao potted a stunning long red to initiate a match-winning 65 break under intense pressure.
What This Win Means for Chinese Snooker
The all-Chinese final is a testament to the incredible depth of talent emerging from the nation. With Ding Junhui as the trailblazer, a new generation including Zhao, Zhang, Yan Bingtao (currently suspended), and others have established China as a dominant force in the sport. This final was the fourth all-Chinese ranking title match in snooker history, but arguably the most significant given the stature of the players and the title at stake.
The victory solidifies Zhao's position as China's premier active player and a genuine contender for every tournament he enters. His natural, fluid attacking style makes him a fan favourite and a nightmare for opponents when he finds his rhythm. As seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry noted on commentary, "When Zhao is in this kind of form, there are very few players who can live with him. He scores so heavily and so quickly."
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Crucible
The World Grand Prix triumph is perfectly timed, with the season's major climax—the World Championship in Sheffield—just over two months away. Zhao has now thrust himself firmly into the conversation as a potential second-time world champion. The win provides him with crucial ranking points and, more importantly, the belief that he can conquer the sport's biggest stages once again. For Zhang, the consistency of his season ensures he will be seeded for the Crucible, avoiding the grueling qualification rounds and marking another career achievement.
The narrative of Zhao's season has been utterly transformed. From a player searching for form after a lengthy absence, he is now a ranking event winner, brimming with confidence. His performance in Leicester answered many questions about his resilience and hunger. In his winner's speech, Zhao looked forward, declaring, "This is just the start. I have worked so hard to come back. My target is to win more, and to challenge for the world title again in April."
The 2024 World Grand Prix will be remembered not just for the quality of snooker, but for the poignant story at its heart. Zhao Xintong's victory is a tale of redemption, a demonstration of pure talent, and a powerful reminder to the snooker world that one of its most explosive talents is well and truly back at the summit of the sport.
