Stephen Hendry has made an interesting claim about Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump and world champion Zhao Xintong
Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan are two of the best ball-strikers in snooker history(Image: Getty)
Snooker icon Stephen Hendry says Zhao Xintong is the finest ball striker he has ever watched – surpassing even Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump. The Chinese sensation, who captured the world title earlier this year, powered to glory at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship last week, defeating Neil Robertson 5-2 in the final.
It was his first tournament success as world champion and earned him a hefty £250,000 winners’ payout. Following the final, Hendry heaped praise on Xintong and even suggested his striking technique might be unmatched in the sport’s history.
“I’ve repeated myself two or three times [but] he’s the best ball striker I’ve ever seen, playing snooker,” the Scot told TNT Sports. “I’m including everyone in that – from the [Ronnie] O’Sullivans to the [Mark] Selbys, to the [Judd] Trumps, everyone. No-one struck the ball as pure as Zhao Xintong and I think he could be the future of snooker for the next 20 years.”
Zhao’s performances have fluctuated since lifting the world trophy at the Crucible in May. Still, his recent displays have reminded fans why he’s viewed as a possible generation-shaping talent.
In Riyadh, he began with a calm 4-2 win over Shaun Murphy – who had crushed O’Sullivan 4-0 in the previous round – before edging Trump 4-3 in a gripping semi-final. The opening stages of the final were close, but once Zhao found his rhythm, he took command and did not relinquish it.
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The key moment came in the third frame, when Zhao produced a remarkable comeback from 48-0 down to move 2-1 ahead, despite the layout of the balls seeming to favour Robertson.
Reflecting on his triumph on Friday evening, Zhao said: “I didn’t want Neil to know I’m nervous. I was looking forward to this final a lot because Neil is a very good player. I’m so happy to win now. Amazing this week. First time in Saudi, and I could see a lot of people support me.”
The 28-year-old now turns his attention to the UK Championship, which began on Saturday. He will chase another title there after lifting the trophy in 2021.
“He’s going to York now, a place where he’s already won the UK Championship before, he’s going with a win under his belt – his first win as world champion – which must feel amazing to him,” Hendry added. “He’s going to be the man to beat there.”
Stephen Hendry rates Zhao Xintong as the best ball-striker in the game(Image: Getty)
Despite his resurgence, Zhao is still competing under lingering scrutiny. In early 2023, the Shenzhen-born star was linked to a major match-fixing investigation involving 10 Chinese players.
Although he did not directly manipulate any matches, he admitted to being “party to another player fixing two matches” and also to wagering on snooker contests. He was initially given a 30-month ban by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), later reduced to 20 months due to his early admission and cooperation.
After completing the suspension – which concluded in September 2024 – he returned through the Q Tour, rebuilt his game, and astonishingly claimed the World Snooker Championship in 2025.
