Chinese snooker sensation Zhao Xintong delivered a masterclass performance on Saturday, demolishing four-time world champion John Higgins 10-1 in the Tour Championship semifinals in Manchester. The victory propels Zhao into Sunday's final against world No. 1 Judd Trump, marking his sixth career ranking final appearance.
Zhao dominated from the opening frame, building a 4-0 lead with three consecutive 50+ breaks. Higgins, the seasoned Scottish veteran, managed just 33 points across four mid-match frames as Zhao extended his advantage to 8-0 with a flawless 104 break. While Higgins avoided a historic whitewash by claiming the 10th frame, Zhao sealed the match moments later with clinical precision.
"My cueing felt perfect – I focused on enjoying the game rather than overthinking," said the 29-year-old from the Chinese mainland, who has now reached four finals this season. "Facing Judd in a final for the first time will be challenging, but I'm ready."
The result represents Higgins' heaviest career defeat in a best-of-19 match format. Zhao remains undefeated in ranking finals, having won all five previous championship deciders.
