'A virtuoso display of snooker' - Zhao Xintong beats Zhang Anda in final of World Grand Prix

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Zhao Xintong produced five centuries as he beat Zhang Anda in the final of the World Grand Prix. The 28-year-old produced breaks of 130, 145, 111, 134 and 131 to secure an impressive victory. Zhao's triumph in Hong Kong was his second tournament win of the 2025/26 season but first at a ranking event. The world champion's attention will now turn to the Players Championship, which begins next week.

'Virtuoso display of snooker' - Zhao hits fifth century to seal 'ridiculously easy' final win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Zhao Xintong produced five centuries, including a break of 145, to beat Zhang Anda 10-6 in the final of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.

The pair appeared to be locked in a war of attrition during a closely fought start to the match, with momentum swinging back and forth.

However, Zhao came out on top in four of the final five frames to secure the victory and claim the £180,000 prize.

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TNT Sports commentator David Hendon praised Zhang for pushing Zhao to the limit at the conclusion.

"So the break ends at 131, his fifth century of the final," said Hendon. "Zhao Xintong wins the World Grand Prix here in Hong Kong with a virtuoso display of snooker.

"Credit to Zhang Anda for staying with him for long periods, but in the end, Zhao Xintong broke free."

Zhang makes unlucky mistake with potting white to give Zhao chance in frame 11

Video credit: TNT Sports

Zhao came out of the blocks firing, winning the opening frame 77-1, but Zhang responded with an impressive visit of his own, taking the second frame after producing a break of 51.

The Cyclone made it 2-1 shortly after with a break of 75, but visits of 91 and 84 put his compatriot 3-2 up, his first and only lead of the match.

Zhao replied by going into a different gear, winning the sixth frame with a break of 130 before storming to victory in the seventh with a visit of 145, the biggest of the match.

Zhang got himself back on level terms with a break of 84 in the eighth but it was 6-4 after Zhao won back-to-back frames for the second time in the match.

A visit of 53 was enough to get Zhang over the line in the 11th, but Zhao restored his two-frame advantage with a break of 111, his third century of the final.

Zhang kept plugging away, winning the 13th frame with a break of 73 as he desperately searched for a route back into the contest.

However, Zhao wrapped up the win in style, producing visits of 134, 65 and 131 to claim his second tournament of the season following his triumph at the Riyadh Season Championship last November.

But the win in Hong Kong was Zhao’s first victory at a ranking event during the 2025/26 season.

The reigning world champion reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 Masters last month but was beaten 6-5 by John Higgins, who went on to lose in the final.

Zhao looking to improve consistency

Despite winning two titles in the current season, Zhao feels he has struggled with the weight of expectation that comes with being the Crucible champion.

"I don’t feel that I’ve completely lifted the pressure of playing as world champion yet," Zhao said. "Mentally, I still feel there is room to learn from the very top players.

"This season so far, although I’ve had some good results, I feel that my overall consistency hasn’t been as strong as the very best. That’s an area I know I still need to improve."

Zhao can now look ahead to the 2026 Players Championship, which is scheduled to get underway on February 17.

He is already in the draw, along with the likes of Neil Robertson, Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy.

Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the World Championship, live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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