BOLTON — In a breathtaking display of nerve and skill, China's Zhao Xintong booked his place in the semi-finals of the 2023 Champion of Champions, edging out England's Kyren Wilson in a final-frame black-ball decider that had the Bolton Whites Hotel crowd on the edge of their seats.
The 6-5 victory marks a significant milestone for the talented 26-year-old, who has been searching for a return to the form that saw him claim two major ranking titles in a spectacular 2021/22 season. The match was a microcosm of his career: moments of breathtaking, fluid break-building punctuated by tense, tactical battles, all culminating in a single, decisive shot on the final black.
Zhao, known as "The Cyclone" for his rapid and attacking style, raced into an early 3-1 lead, showcasing the kind of potting that makes him one of the most exciting players to watch on the World Snooker Tour. However, Wilson, the 2020 champion known as "The Warrior" for his gritty determination, dug deep to level the match at 3-3. The pair then traded frames, with Zhao making a superb century break to lead 5-4, only for Wilson to force a dramatic decider.
The final frame was a tense, cagey affair, a stark contrast to the free-flowing snooker seen earlier. Both players had opportunities but were hampered by pressure and difficult table positions. With the final reds potted, the score was tied, and the battle moved to the colours. It came down to the final black ball, resting near a corner pocket. After a brief safety exchange, Wilson left a difficult but makeable long pot for Zhao, which he calmly dispatched to seal a famous victory.
A Rollercoaster of Momentum Swings
The match began at a ferocious pace, with Zhao looking immediately at home in the prestigious invitational event. He took the opening frame with a break of 73, but Wilson responded instantly with a 78 to level. Zhao then found another gear, compiling runs of 84 and 119 to establish a commanding 3-1 lead at the mid-session interval, looking every bit the player who stormed to victory at the UK Championship and German Masters.
The interval, however, proved pivotal for Wilson. He returned with renewed focus, grinding out the fifth frame before levelling the match at 3-3 with a well-constructed 65. The momentum had clearly shifted, and Wilson carried it into the seventh frame to lead for the first time in the match at 4-3. Facing elimination, Zhao responded like a champion, taking a scrappy eighth frame to level once more at 4-4.
The standard skyrocketed again as the finish line approached. Zhao produced a magnificent 103 clearance to move one frame from victory at 5-4. Yet Wilson, demonstrating the resilience that has taken him to the World Championship final, refused to yield. He composed a brilliant 95 break of his own under immense pressure to force a deciding frame, setting the stage for the nail-biting conclusion.
The Decider: A Test of Nerve
The final frame was a masterclass in tension. Neither player was able to compile a substantial break, with the frame becoming a war of attrition. Key moments included a missed pink from Zhao and a crucial safety error from Wilson. As the final black ball became the sole object on the table, the outcome hung in the balance. Zhao later reflected on the decisive moment, stating, "It was a very tough match. In the last frame, on the last black, I just tried to pot it. I am very happy to win."
Wilson was gracious in a heartbreaking defeat, acknowledging the quality of the match and the final shot. "It was a great match and a great finish," he said. "Full credit to Zhao, it was a fantastic pot under that kind of pressure. It’s a tough way to lose."
What This Victory Means for Zhao
This quarter-final win is more than just a step closer to the £150,000 top prize. For Zhao Xintong, it represents a significant resurgence. After his breakthrough victories, he experienced a dip in form, struggling with consistency and the weight of expectation. This performance against a player of Wilson's calibre, particularly the mental fortitude shown in the decider, signals a return to the big stage.
The key aspects of his performance that bode well for his semi-final clash include:
- Break-Building Prowess: His century and near-century breaks were a reminder of his elite scoring ability.
- Temperament: Overcoming momentum shifts and holding his nerve in the ultimate pressure-cooker situation.
- Self-Belief: Potting the final black in such a high-stakes environment will provide an immense confidence boost.
Looking Ahead: The Semi-Final Awaits
With this victory, Zhao Xintong moves into the semi-finals of the Champion of Champions, an event that pits tournament winners from the past year against each other. He now joins an elite final four, awaiting the winner of the match between World Champion Luca Brecel and the in-form Barry Hawkins. The semi-final promises to be another stern test, but Zhao has proven he has the game and, just as importantly, the nerve to compete with the very best.
His performance in Bolton was a timely reminder of the unique talent he possesses. While the snooker world is currently dominated by the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Mark Allen, Zhao's "cyclone" style offers a thrilling alternative. His victory over Wilson, sealed with one of the most dramatic shots in the sport, was not just a win on the scoreboard, but a statement of intent.
As the dust settles on an epic quarter-final, the narrative shifts from a player searching for form to a champion rediscovering his touch. The path to the title remains treacherous, but for Zhao Xintong, the belief is now firmly back. He has navigated one of the toughest tests in snooker—a final-frame black-ball shootout—and emerged victorious, ready to storm into the next round.
