Zhao Xintong sets sights on completing Triple Crown with Masters victory at Alexandra Palace - 'Thinking about it so much'
Published 13/01/2026 at 13:34 GMT
The Masters is the focus of the snooker world this week, with the elite of the sport battling to get their hands on the coveted Paul Hunter Trophy. Zhao Xintong is one of the favourites for glory at Alexandra Palace, and the world champion is looking to complete the set of Triple Crown events. Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the Masters, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
‘They are legend players’ - Zhao looking forward to clash with Hawkins or Higgins
Video credit: TNT Sports
Zhao Xintong has said the prospect of completing snooker’s set of Triple Crown events is front and centre of his mind.
The Chinese sensation arrived at Alexandra Palace for the Masters as the world champion, while he won the UK Championship in 2021.
His UK and World Championships wins mean he needs the Masters to join an elite group of 11 players who have completed the set.
Ronnie O’Sullivan leads the way - with 23 major titles to his name - but also on the illustrious list are Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Mark Selby, John Higgins, Mark Williams, Neil Robertson, Alex Higgins, Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy and Terry Griffiths.
Zhao began his 2026 Masters challenge with a comprehensive 6-2 win over Gary Wilson, despite being a step short of the form he produced in winning the World Championship last year.
Following the win over Wilson, Zhao was asked in the TNT Sports studio whether he was thinking about the Triple Crown.
- 'The great Paul Hunter' - O'Sullivan, White and Higgins on snooker's timeless young Master
- 'Game is better with him in it' - Allen hopeful of rapid O'Sullivan return
"Yesterday I was not thinking about it, but when I came to the venue and got to the table I was thinking about it so much," Zhao said. "It is very hard to forget that."
Zhao’s match on Monday was his second appearance at the Masters, and he relished the occasion at Alexandra Palace.
"It is amazing," Zhao said. "I know this is my second time [at Alexandra Palace] but I really enjoyed it."
Zhao was introduced to the crowd in north London as the world champion, and the 28-year-old said he still cannot believe he is at the top of the sport.
"I still can't believe I am the world champion," he said. "I very much enjoyed coming down [into the arena] and giving high-fives to my friends. I really enjoyed it."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/01/12/image-ed4b286b-ae1e-4279-aa4e-c5ba33b509b6-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Never seen a bridge so long on a shot' - Zhao snatches frame after 'brilliant' pot of brown
Video credit: TNT Sports
The win over Wilson set Zhao on course for a clash with either John Higgins or Barry Hawkins in the quarter-finals. Zhao is relishing the prospect of facing one of two "legend players".
"I know the next round it is John Higgins and Barry, and they are legend players," Zhao said. "They have lots of experience compared to me, so I need to practise a lot."
Zhao’s preparation for events since becoming world champion had been called into question.
Jimmy White said Zhao can be unplayable, but that he needs to work hard on his game.
"He is such a natural, gifted player," White said in the TNT Sports studio at Alexandra Palace. "When his timing is on, he can be unplayable.
"If anything, sometimes if it is not happening for him, he does not dig deep enough.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/01/12/image-b2845344-2d7b-4154-881f-5ee07a5ecefb-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'How about that for a shot?' - Zhao drops red into middle against Wilson
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I think all parts of his game, it is about timing. He has always been good at safety, always been a good scorer, a good long potter. But it all has to click. For a natural player like him, he has to put in the work."
Zhao was questioned on his regime away from the match table, and suggested off-table distractions which come with being world champion were having an impact.
"I am practising a lot when I have time," said the three-time winner of a ranking event.
- - -
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the Masters, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement