World Snooker Championship 2026: Dennis Taylor Tips Zhao Xintong But Says Mark Allen Is The Dark Horse

We’re into the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible, and the drama continues to intensify after 10 gripping days in Sheffield.

The standout tie of the second round saw John Higgins produce a remarkable comeback to defeat long-time rival Ronnie O’Sullivan 13-12, recovering from a five-frame deficit on two separate occasions.

Higgins’ Heroics Against O’Sullivan

SportsBoom caught up with 1985 world champion Dennis Taylor, who was on commentary duty for the epic encounter, and he admitted he was far from surprised by Higgins’ resilience.

“Never, he never ever gives up John Higgins. That's one thing about him. And to do it against the greatest player that's ever picked the cue up, it just shows you how good a player John Higgins is,” Taylor said in an exclusive interview.

‘Best Session Ever’ – Hendry’s Verdict

Taylor also revealed a fascinating insight from fellow seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, who was alongside him in the commentary box.

“Towards the end of the last session, I was sitting with Stephen Henry and he said, it was the best session he'd ever seen. Coming from the seven times champion of the world, that's something.”

Reflecting on the closing stages, Taylor was in awe of the standard produced by both players.

“It was remarkable. He made three centuries in five frames, and Ronnie then won two frames with winning breaks. Awesome stuff from John Higgins. Ronnie had a chance in the last frame, played a cannon, he just lost the white ball, and that was his last shot.”

“John Higgins was awesome. And he deserved his win in the end.”

No Concerns Over Higgins’ Energy Levels

Despite the emotional and physical toll such a match can take, Taylor believes Higgins will only grow stronger from the experience.

“I think he’ll be okay. Listen, he's used to it, he's been here, he's done it for so many years. He's been coming to the crucible for so many years, and John practises a lot.”

“He’ll have a little bit of a rest from this and then he’ll come back just as strong. Now that he's knocked out Ronnie, John will feel that he's in with a good chance of winning it.”

Xintong Backed As Title Favourite

Looking ahead to the latter stages, Taylor did not hesitate when naming his tournament favourite, Zhao Xintong.

“Zhao Xintong,” Taylor simply replied when asked for his tournament favourite.

However, he was quick to highlight the challenge awaiting him in the quarter-finals against Shaun Murphy.

“But he’s got to be Shaun Murphy first, who will relish playing him. That’s going to be a wonderful attacking match.”

Taylor then delivered perhaps the highest praise possible in snooker, drawing comparisons with O’Sullivan.

“Xintong for me is like a left-handed Ronnie O’Sullivan. He falls into the shot. He’s so natural. And the way he played last year was awesome.”

“He hasn’t hit his best yet, but he might relax now he’s got to the quarterfinals. But that match against Shaun Murphy you don’t want to miss that one.”

Allen Tipped As Dark Horse

While acknowledging the depth of quality remaining in the draw, Taylor singled out a fellow Northern Irishman as a potential surprise winner, Mark Allen.

“I mean, all the players that are in here have still got a chance. Anybody that’s still left in could get through to the final.”

Allen faces Barry Hawkins in the quarter-finals, with a potential semi-final clash against either Wu Yize or Hossein Vafaei awaiting.

“Don’t be surprised of Mark Allen. It’s time Northern Ireland had another world champion. It’s a long time, 41 years since we had one. We might get one this year.”

“As long as Mark [Allen] doesn't hear what I'm saying, because I keep predicting Mark's gonna win the world championship and I think it puts him off.” 

“He doesn't like to hear me saying he's gonna win it, but I'm a great fan of Mark Allen and it would be wonderful for Northern Ireland if he could win it.”

“He played some wonderful snooker towards the end of his match [against Kyren Wilson]. He's producing it at the right time. The conditions suit him, but he's gotta keep playing at the top of his game to have a chance of winning,” Taylor concluded. 

Credit: Midnite & World Snooker Tour

Midnite, the official UK betting and casino partner of the 2026 Halo World Snooker Championship, has unveiled a limited-edition waistcoat in their signature neon green. Snooker legends have been vying for the waistcoat in exhibition matches during the tournament, with the next one happening at BOX Bar in Sheffield City Centre on Thursday, April 30.