John Higgins experienced the heaviest defeat of his 34-year career, losing 10-1 to Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals of the Tour Championship in Manchester.
The defending champion was swept aside by China’s Zhao. Zhao racked up 11 breaks over 50, including one century.
Higgins Avoids Shutout, Zhao Dominates
The four-time world champion, Higgins, avoided failing to win a single frame by taking the 10th. Zhao was on the verge of victory at this point.
Higgins’ reprieve was brief. The reigning world champion wrapped up victory in the following frame with a break of 85.
The 50-year-old has twice lost by a margin of nine frames before. These were against Stephen Hendry at the 2012 World Championship (13-4) and against Judd Trump in the 2019 Crucible final (18-9). However, he had never experienced such an emphatic defeat in a best-of-19 contest.
Zhao Delighted with Performance
“I played well and I am very happy to reach the final,” said Zhao.
“My cueing was very good. I tried not to think too much – I just enjoyed the table and concentrated on the balls.
“This season I have been in four finals and I am enjoying every moment and trying to get better.
“To play Judd in a final for the first time will be a big moment for me. It will be very tough.”
Zhao’s Season and Ranking
The 29-year-old moved into his sixth ranking final having won his first five. Only Steve Davis, Mark Williams and Neil Robertson have previously achieved this feat.
Zhao is trying to become the first player to win all three events in the Players Series in the same season. He has already triumphed in both the World Grand Prix and Players Championship in February.
He is guaranteed to move to a career-high fourth place in the world ranking regardless of the result of Sunday’s final. This will be his first meeting with Trump at this stage of a tournament.
Zhao will now face world number one Judd Trump in Sunday’s final.