On April 26 (Beijing time), a highly anticipated all-Chinese clash took place in the last-16 round of the World Snooker Championship. Defending champion Zhao Xintong defeated Ding Junhui 13–9 to advance to the quarterfinals and continue his title defense.
The match unfolded in stages: a 4–4 tie after the opening session, Zhao pulling ahead 9–7 in the second, and then maintaining control in the final session to seal victory. He will next face Shaun Murphy.
Zhao delivered an impressive performance, recording three century breaks and five 50+ breaks, while Ding contributed eight 50+ breaks in a high-quality contest. After the match, Zhao approached Ding for a respectful handshake—an image that resonated deeply as a symbol of continuity in Chinese snooker.
Chinese state media described the match as more than just a result, highlighting it as a milestone in the evolution of Chinese snooker—from the rise of an individual to the emergence of a collective force competing for titles. As Ding once said, “As long as I keep going, the dream never ends.” Zhao’s progress now carries that dream forward.
The World Snooker Tour also praised the moment, stating: “Beyond the result, this is a victory for Chinese snooker—a legacy that continues to thrive.”
