BLUE is the colour for Crucible King Zhao Xintong who has revealed his lifelong love for Manchester City.
Xintong, 28, fulfilled a lifetime ambition when he visited the Etihad for the first time as a guest of honour last week.
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Zhao Xintong was a guest of honour for Manchester City’s clash with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: AFP
He was presented with a shirt at the EtihadCredit: PA
The reigning world snooker champion was handed a special shirt by the club with the number 147 – the sport’s maximum break – on the back.
The only problem is that Pep Guardiola’s side were left snookered in their Champions League hopes as they were beaten 2-0 by German giants Bayer Leverkusen.
Xintong visited the club’s training HQ on Wednesday, with the Crucible trophy in tow, and showed goalkeeper James Trafford and midfielder Rico Lewis how to pot a black ball on a makeshift table.
The Cyclone grew up in his homeland supporting City – not rivals United – because between 2002–2008 they had a Chinese defender, Sun Jihai, in the first team.
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The world No10 – who beat Long Zehuang in the first round of the UK Championship in York – revealed: “It was amazing.
“I was looking forward to this match for a long time. This was my first time here.
“When I was very young, I looked for Manchester City’s results for a long time. Because we had one Chinese player in the team. We liked that.
“On CCTV (Chinese TV) many people watched City. That was a good memory.
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“I’m excited to see Erling Haaland, definitely.
“This season, I am very good. Looking forward to the future. Hopefully I can get better. Winning at the Crucible was the best moment of my life.
“The World Championship is very different for a snooker player. It was amazing back in China.
“When we go back, everyone knows me. Life has changed.
“It gives me pressure. I try to learn from that.”
Xintong is competing in the UK ChampionshipCredit: PA
He is the defending world championCredit: PA
