Zhao Xintong took the first frame of the afternoon session against Ding Junhui at the World Snooker Championship, finding his rhythm early. Ding Junhui had a promising start but opened the door for the world champion after rattling a red into the top-right corner pocket. Zhao then moved effortlessly round the table, chalking up a break of 77.
Trump Leads Vafaei
Judd Trump also demonstrated impressive form, securing the first frame in his match. A 58 break was the best he could muster in that frame, but the former world champion is slowly getting into his rhythm. Hossein Vafaei kept Trump on the table despite being well behind towards the back end of the frame.
Debate Over a Potential Re-Rack
Judd Trump appeared to suggest a re-rack due to a large number of bunched up reds in the bottom right corner of the table, with the black sitting precariously behind them, right on the pocket. Stephen Hendry commented on commentary, “I do not see the point in this.”
It seems a re-rack is inevitable; it’s just a matter of when.
Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters Cancelled
The World Snooker Tour have announced that the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will not take place in future. The ranking tournament had been held in Riyadh in 2024 and then in Jeddah in 2025. The winner picked up £500,000, the same as the World Championship.
- Judd Trump won the first final in September 2024, beating Mark Williams 10-9.
- Neil Robertson defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan by the same score last August.
A WST statement said: “Following constructive discussions between The Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation and Matchroom following the conclusion of the 2025 editions, it has been mutually agreed not to proceed with future editions of the World Pool Championship and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.”
Earlier this week, Barry Hearn said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could affect competitions in the area. “Saudi is a problem,” said Hearn. “We don’t know where that problem’s going to lead to, but we’ve got good influence there, particularly through the boxing and all the other sports we do.
Hearn added: “We can’t interfere with what’s going on at the moment. This is a terribly difficult time for the Middle East. Saudi, whether we’re talking LIV Tour or other Olympic sports, are looking to cut back which is fine, providing we’ve got other places to go, which we do.
He concluded: “So on the one hand, we’re looking at Saudi and saying: ‘Yes, there will be snooker in
Zhao Xintong doesn’t give much away with his facial expressions but he acknowledged in the last round when we spoke in the studio after he was struggling a bit.
It’s a different prospect playing as defending champion and being the hunted rather than the hunter. But signs during that first frame that he is finding his feet.