Zhao Xintong feeling 'no pressure' ahead of World Snooker Championship defence as Chinese sensation looks to avoid Crucible curse
By Leon Imber
Published 26/02/2026 at 14:56 GMT
React to this story
Zhao Xintong is snooker's hot topic, just a couple of months out from his World Championship title defence. Heading into this week's Welsh Open, he won back-to-back titles at the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship. And the signs have been positive for the 28-year-old so far in Llandudno, as he reached the last 16 with victory over Stan Moody on Wednesday evening.
Zhao feeling 'no pressure' ahead of World Championship defence, hails 'very talented' Moody
Video credit: TNT Sports
Reigning world champion Zhao Xintong has told TNT Sports he feels "no pressure" heading into his title defence at the Crucible.
Zhao stunned the world as he became China's first world champion in May 2025, beating Mark Williams 18-12 in a thrilling final - having come through as a qualifier in Sheffield.
The 28-year-old rose to stardom in his home country as its first Crucible winner, with veteran Ding Junhui often tipped to become China's maiden winner.
With the weight of expectation now on him - and the threat of falling victim to the Crucible curse - Zhao said he is excited to defend his title.
"I'm looking forward to it," he told TNT Sports. "But no pressure. Enjoy every frame."
Zhao seems to be approaching imperious form at the right time, having come into this week's Welsh Open with back-to-back tournament triumphs.
He beat John Higgins, Mark Selby, Chris Wakelin, Xiao Guodong and Zhang Anda en route to lifting the World Grand Prix title in Hong Kong, before victories over the likes of Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen and Higgins again saw him claim the Players Championship trophy in Telford last week.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/02/25/image-0ccd2197-6e01-4ca1-a319-d3284011cd0f-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Zhao improvises with one-handed pink after match-winning century
Video credit: TNT Sports
While it may have been expected Zhao would sit out the action in Llandudno for some well-deserved rest, he has opted to play, and defeated Stan Moody 4-2 in the second round on Wednesday to reach the last 16.
Zhao charged into a 3-0 lead, before a spirited fightback from the 19-year-old saw two frames chalked back, but the world champion made no mistake in finishing the tie and setting up a last-16 meeting with Stuart Bingham, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
And in his post-match interview, Zhao said he was aware of the threat carried by the "very talented" Moody.
- Crowd left 'stunned' as Lisowski BLASTS cue ball off table, concedes frame and walks out
- 'Don't kill him!' - Higgins match disrupted by unexpected 'intruder'
"Yeah definitely, I'm very happy I can win against Stan Moody," Zhao said. "That boy is very talented. And I know I have to be careful with him. He made me push a little bit, I feel good tonight.
"His cue ability is very good, so I don't want to leave one chance for him."
Zhao will be looking to avoid the Crucible curse, a trend affecting first-time champions who have never been able to successfully defend their title.
Luca Brecel and Kyren Wilson were the most recent victims of the curse, with the 2023 and 2024 champions falling early in their title defences.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/02/25/image-4a158355-b14c-4e00-bff4-078778190388-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Not really ideal' - DJ and scoreboard woes delay Zhao-Moody match
Video credit: TNT Sports
But Zhao's imperious form in recent weeks will go some way to restoring belief that streak can be halted - as the snooker season reaches its critical stages.
Selby was the last player on the snooker tour to defend his world title, doing so in 2017. Before that, Ronnie O'Sullivan won the tournament in 2012 and 2013.
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the Welsh Open and World Championship, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Advertisement
Advertisement