Zhao Xintong Wins 6th Straight Final, Earns £1M Season

Zhao Xintong just sent a powerful message to the snooker world with a stunning victory that showcased dominance, humility, and the bright future of the sport.

The 29-year-old Chinese player thrashed world number one Judd Trump 10-3 at the Tour Championship in Manchester on Sunday, claiming the £150,000 top prize. With this win, Zhao became only the third player ever to bank over £1 million in a single season, joining legends Ronnie O'Sullivan and Trump himself.

Zhao entered Sunday's session leading 5-3, then immediately won four straight frames to build an insurmountable 9-3 advantage. Trump, despite fighting back earlier in the match, struggled throughout the evening, missing routine shots and managing just one break above 60 for the entire final.

The victory marked Zhao's sixth consecutive final win since turning professional. Only Steve Davis, Mark Williams, and Neil Robertson have achieved this perfect record in ranking finals.

Zhao also became the first player ever to sweep all three Players Series events in a single season, having won the World Grand Prix and Players Championship in February. His fourth title of the campaign pushed him to fourth in the world rankings.

Why This Inspires

What makes Zhao's success so refreshing is how he carries it. After demolishing the world's top player, he spoke with genuine humility about his opponent.

"Judd Trump is my favourite player. I am really happy and lucky that tonight I am the one that has won," Zhao said after the match. "It may look easy but actually I was very nervous."

Trump himself recognized the shift happening in snooker. "I think over these past two months he's been the best player in the world," Trump admitted graciously, adding that Zhao is "amazing for the game."

The timing couldn't be more perfect. With the World Championship starting in just 13 days at the Crucible, Zhao arrives as defending champion playing the best snooker of his life.

Manchester embraced their new champion, and Zhao returned the love, praising the city and its fans while saying he tried to simply enjoy being at the table.

The sport is watching a masterful player hit his peak at exactly the right moment.