Zhao Xintong easily makes it to the first round of Snooker World Championships
2022-04-18 11:55:21Source: Xinhuanet
Xinhua News Agency, London, April 17 (Reporter Zhang Wei) Chinese rookie Zhao Xintong defeated his opponent Clark in the first round with 10:2 on the 17th, advancing to the top 16 of the world snooker championship for the first time.
On April 16, Zhao Xintong in the first round of the Snooker World Championships in Sheffield, England. Published by Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Zhai Zheng)
The 25-year-old Zhao Xintong ushered in a breakthrough this season. First, he entered the ranking finals for the first time at the British Championships and successfully won the championship. Then he won the second ranking championship in his career at the German Masters. This time, he directly qualified for the World Championships with his career-high ranking of seventh in the world. On the 16th, Zhao Xintong led Clark, who had broken through the qualifying round, 7:2 following the first quarter of the first round.
In the second quarter on the 17th, Zhao Xintong did not give his opponent any chance, won 3 consecutive games and won the victory, and will wait for the winner between Murphy and Maguire.
This is Zhao Xintong’s second time participating in the main competition of the World Championships. In 2019, he lost to Selby in the first round by a large margin. “It’s my first win at the Crucible, so I’m very happy,” he said. “This win is very important to me because I need to build more confidence.”
On April 17, Zhao Xintong celebrated following the first round of the Snooker World Championships. Published by Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Zhai Zheng)
Zhao Xintong was praised as a genius by many snooker players such as O’Sullivan. Clark also praised the rising star in China following the game.
“He is really extraordinary and a strong contender for this year’s championship.” Clark said that even if Zhao Xintong fails to reach the top this year, he is optimistic that he will be the roost within five years. “He looks so unbelievable, it makes the game seem easy. When he loses the ball and turns you on, you find it difficult. Because he just makes it look easy.”
On the same day, O’Sullivan, who played in his 30th World Championship, defeated Gilbert 10-5. The 6-time world champion and the world number one legend said that 30 appearances at the world championships don’t mean much to him, he only cares regarding whether he can win the championship. “I don’t care regarding 100 in a single stroke or a perfect score in a single stroke. I only care how many important championships I can win.”
<!–enpproperty 65287662022-04-18 11:55:21:893
