World Snooker Championship 2026: Zhao Xintong Predicts Record-Breaking Audience for Potential Ding Junhui Showdown

Reigning world champion Zhao Xintong safely navigated the first hurdle in his bid to break the infamous ‘Crucible Curse’ with a 10-7 victory over Liam Highfield in the opening round of the 2026 World Snooker Championship.

The so-called curse has loomed large since the tournament moved to Crucible Theatre in 1977, with no first-time champion successfully defending their crown. Twenty players have tried, and failed, to retain their maiden title. 

Zhao, the first Chinese world champion, now has the opportunity to finally end that long-standing hoodoo.

From Qualifier to Favourite

Twelve months ago, Zhao’s journey to the title could not have been more different. Having only recently returned from a 20-month ban for match-fixing offences, he had lost his professional status on the World Snooker Tour in 2023.

After regaining his tour card by topping the 2024/25 Q Tour Europe rankings, Zhao entered the 2025 championship as an amateur. He battled through four gruelling qualifying rounds just to reach the Crucible, before going on to defeat Mark Williams in the final to claim a stunning world title.

Now, he returns not as an underdog, but as the defending champion, and the bookmakers’ favourite.

A Nervy Start, A Strong Finish

Zhao’s opening session against Highfield suggested the weight of expectation may have been playing on his mind. He edged into a narrow 5-4 lead, but was far from his fluent best.

The evening session saw improvement, though errors still crept in. 

Crucially, Zhao delivered when it mattered most, compiling three century breaks, 123, 128, and a match-clinching 112 in the final frame, to seal victory.

Dreaming of a Ding Showdown

Awaiting Zhao in the second round will be either his idol Ding Junhui or David Gilbert, who must first navigate their opening clash.

Zhao admitted the prospect of facing Ding on snooker’s biggest stage would be special.

“I know I'll face Ding [Junhui] or David [Gilbert], and everybody will be keeping eyes on me and Ding I think,” Zhao told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“It would be very special. Hopefully we can just enjoy our snooker without the pressure because its a Chinese derby.”

“Hopefully we can just play good snooker, and try and enjoy it as we are also good friends.”

A Match That Could Break Viewing Records

Ding’s influence on snooker in China is unmatched, having helped elevate the sport’s popularity across the country. 

While Zhao’s triumph last year drew an estimated 180 million viewers on CCTV-5, Ding’s 2016 final attracted a record-breaking 210 million.

Zhao believes a meeting between the pair could surpass even that figure.

“Maybe yeah, I think so,” Zhao said when asked if he thinks it would be the most watched game ever in China.

Inspired by His Hero

Zhao reflected on watching Ding’s run to the 2016 final, where he was ultimately defeated by Mark Selby.

“Yes, every match of his I'll watch. That year he played really, really well, we all know Mark Selby is a very strong player, but I think Ding deserved that World Championship.”

Despite the excitement around a potential blockbuster clash, Zhao insisted he has kept his focus grounded.

“Before I saw the draw, but I didn’t want to think about it a lot [the potential Ding clash]. The first task is the first round, so didn’t think about it a lot.”

A Quiet Word Behind the Scenes

Both Zhao and Ding were present at the tournament’s launch event prior to the championship, where they shared a brief conversation about the draw.

“Yes, we did,” he said with a huge smile on his face.

But when pressed for details, Zhao kept his cards close to his chest, laughing off any attempt to reveal more.