Chinese snooker star Zhao Xintong delivered a commanding performance at the World Snooker Tour Shanghai Masters, defeating England's Chris Wakelin 6-2 in the round of 16 on Wednesday. The victory propels Zhao into a highly anticipated quarterfinal showdown with compatriot Ding Junhui, reigniting excitement among fans of the sport.
Zhao, seeded second, showcased his signature precision in Shanghai, breaking a 2-2 deadlock with a century break of 103 in the fifth frame. A follow-up 65-point break in the sixth solidified his lead, marking his 10th consecutive win since the World Snooker Championship in May. The 28-year-old’s dominance against Wakelin mirrored their previous encounter, where Zhao secured a 13-5 victory in the World Championship quarterfinals.
All eyes now turn to Zhao’s upcoming match against seventh-seeded Ding Junhui, a former World No. 1. "I know everybody is looking forward to the showdown between Ding and me," Zhao said. "As long as I perform to my level and deliver an exciting match for the fans, that will be more than enough."
The Shanghai Masters, a key event in Asia’s sporting calendar, highlights the region’s growing influence in global snooker. With rising stars like Zhao and seasoned icons like Ding, the tournament underscores China’s deepening roots in the sport.
