Snooker fans, brace yourselves for a thrilling tale of precision, strategy, and sheer determination! China’s Zhao Xintong has just clinched the Riyadh Season Snooker 167 Championship, outplaying Australia’s Neil Robertson in a final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this victory marks Zhao’s first major win since his historic World Championship title in May, proving that the young prodigy is far from done making waves in the snooker world.
The final, held at Riyadh’s Global Theater in the heart of Boulevard City, kicked off at 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, with a staggering £250,000 prize awaiting the winner. Played in a best-of-nine frames format, the match began with both players trading blows, leveling the score at 1-1. However, the third frame became the game’s turning point—a masterclass in safety play and psychological endurance.
In a tense safety battle, Robertson struggled to hit the intended reds, racking up 20 penalty points. Meanwhile, Zhao remained cool under pressure, prioritizing tight safety over risky shots. When Robertson’s errors finally left an opening, Zhao pounced, clearing the table to take the frame and seize the momentum. And this is the part most people miss: Zhao’s ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations wasn’t just luck—it was a strategic choice that paid off handsomely.
From there, Zhao dominated. In the fourth frame, he unleashed a flawless 131 break, showcasing his precision and positional play. After a brief interval, he followed up with a near-perfect 134 clearance in the fifth frame, pushing the score to 4-1 and inching closer to victory. Robertson fought back in the sixth frame with a spirited 91 break, but Zhao quickly shut down any hopes of a comeback in the seventh, capitalizing on Robertson’s errors to seal a 5-2 win.
But here’s the controversial part: While Zhao’s victory was undeniable, some fans are debating whether Robertson’s uncharacteristic mistakes were due to pressure or Zhao’s tactical brilliance. What do you think? Was it Robertson’s nerves or Zhao’s mastery that decided the match? Let us know in the comments!
Earlier, Zhao had survived a nail-biting semifinal against England’s Judd Trump, winning 4-3 in a deciding frame. Reflecting on his journey, Zhao told Xinhua, “I never gave up, even when I was 2-0 down. I adjusted my mindset and turned it around.” Between the semifinal and final, he had just an hour to recover, admitting with a smile, “I was more worried about catching my flight than the title!”
The Riyadh Season Snooker 167 Championship, known for its innovative ‘Golden Ball’ rule, adds an extra layer of excitement. Players can achieve a maximum 167 break by potting all 15 reds with blacks, clearing the colors, and then sinking the golden ball for a $1 million bonus. Zhao admitted, “Before the event, I was excited about the 167 concept, but once I started playing, I realized how difficult it is. The pressure is immense, even for top players.”
Looking ahead, Zhao sees this win as a confidence booster after a relatively quiet season post his World Championship triumph. “I hope my results keep improving, and I can grow as a player,” he said. He also thanked the diverse crowd, including Chinese diplomats, overseas Chinese, and Saudi fans, for their unwavering support. “This trophy belongs to them too,” he added.
So, what’s next for Zhao Xintong? Will he continue to dominate the snooker scene, or will new challengers rise to the occasion? One thing’s for sure: the world of snooker is watching closely. Share your thoughts below—do you think Zhao’s reign is just beginning, or is the game too unpredictable to call? Let the debate begin!
