Sports05 April, 20261 min read
Zhao Xintong Thrashed Trump 10-3 to Complete Unprecedented Players Series Clean Sweep
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Zhao Xintong defeated Judd Trump 10-3 to win the Tour Championship. Zhao completes a Players Series slam by winning World Grand Prix and Players Championship.
Tour Championship Triumph
Zhao thrash Trump 10-3 to claim his first Tour Championship title. He became the first player to win all three Players Series events in the same season. Zhao extended his perfect ranking final record to six wins.
He pocketed the £150,000 top prize and became the third player to win over £1 million in a season. Zhao said Trump is his favourite player and he was lucky to win.
Destroying the Defending Champion
Zhao crushed defending champion John Higgins 10-1 in the semi-finals. This was the heaviest defeat of Higgins' 34-year career. Higgins managed just 33 points across four frames.
Zhao stormed into an 8-0 lead before Higgins took one frame. The aggressive nature of Zhao's victories contrasted with cautious pre-tournament coverage.
Trump Struggles and Admits Zhao Is Best
Trump had never won a match at the Tour Championship before this year. He struggled with a troublesome tip throughout the weekend. Trump fought back from 2-0 down to make it 2-2.
Zhao then won all but one of the next nine frames to win 10-3. Trump admitted Zhao has been the best player in the world.
Setting the Stage for the Crucible
Zhao's dominant form cements him as the favourite for the World Championship. He will defend the crown he claimed 12 months ago. Bookmakers have priced Zhao as the 11/4 favourite.
Alan McManus said now we know the serious title contender. There are just 13 days before the Worlds.
