2021/22 Championship League Snooker: Zhao Xintong wins Group 3

Zhao Xintong was undefeated in winning Group 3, and also scored his 100th career competitive century during the event! Well done Zhao!

This young man is clearly conquering the heart of many fans, with his attractive brand of snooker, his warm personality and his radiant smile.

Here is the report on WST website:

Zhao Wins Group Three

Zhao Xintong put on a masterclass to become the third player into Winners’ Group of the 2022 BetVictor Championship League Snooker Invitational, winning Group Three at the Morningside Arena in Leicester.

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Zhao came into the playoffs in fine fettle, after winning all six matches in the group stage whilst only conceding four frames along the way. The 24-year-old overcame Stuart Bingham in the group semi-final with a break of 138, his highest break of the tournament so far, to secure a 3-1 win and face the winner of Mark Selby and Xiao Guodong in the final.

It was Xiao who made breaks of 70, 52, 79 and 89 in a 3-1 defeat of Selby, to set up a clash with compatriot Zhao for a spot in the Winners’ Group.

UK Champion Zhao amassed an early 2-0 buffer with 90 in the first frame and two breaks of 40 and 20 in the second. However, Xiao came back into it with two heavy scoring frames to force a decider. It was Zhao who sealed progression thanks to a run of 66 to join Liang Wenbo and Graeme Dott in the next stage.

Losing semi-finalists Selby and Bingham join Group Four tomorrow alongside Xiao, Lu Ning, Judd Trump, 2021 Championship League Snooker Invitational Winner Kyren Wilson, and 2020 Winner Scott Donaldson. Joe Perry and Ryan Day were eliminated after finishing 6th and 7th respectively.

Zhao said: “I played very well over the two days. I just wanted to play as I do in practice. I am waiting for the Masters and I want to play more. In this final, I played very well. It was perfect preparation. I will practise more now as I wait for the Masters.”

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2 thoughts on “2021/22 Championship League Snooker: Zhao Xintong wins Group 3”

Good win for Zhao, interesting to see his performance next wk after his less than stellar effort in the Grand Prix. Thanks for the Fouldsy item about the Gand prix Monique and all your efforts during the year. Happy new year

In fact, the first character in Zhao’s name ‘心’ means ‘heart’ in Chinese, confirming your comment! It’s possible his obvious charisma has led the broadcasters to interview him, which is a breakthrough and good for the game. The only negative thing is that we can’t continue to watch him this week, and he only got 2 days’ practice ahead of the Masters!

Xiao Guodong and Lu Ning also played well, although Lu was a bit unlucky to lose some close matches. Perhaps the Chinese players were able to practice a bit, whilst the British players were enjoying Christmas.

Ryan Day’s preparation was impaired by a family bereavement.

Brian says:

January 5, 2022 at 1:40 pm

Good win for Zhao, interesting to see his performance next wk after his less than stellar effort in the Grand Prix. Thanks for the Fouldsy item about the Gand prix Monique and all your efforts during the year. Happy new year
Lewis says:

January 5, 2022 at 11:42 am

In fact, the first character in Zhao’s name ‘心’ means ‘heart’ in Chinese, confirming your comment! It’s possible his obvious charisma has led the broadcasters to interview him, which is a breakthrough and good for the game. The only negative thing is that we can’t continue to watch him this week, and he only got 2 days’ practice ahead of the Masters!

Xiao Guodong and Lu Ning also played well, although Lu was a bit unlucky to lose some close matches. Perhaps the Chinese players were able to practice a bit, whilst the British players were enjoying Christmas.

Ryan Day’s preparation was impaired by a family bereavement.