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Zhao Xintong Advances as Chinese Players Dominate World ⁤Grand Prix

Published: 2026/02/06 04:29:22

Dramatic Comeback for World⁤ Champion Zhao Xintong

China’s Zhao⁣ Xintong, the reigning world champion, secured⁣ a hard-fought 5-4 victory over England’s Mark Selby in the second round of the World Grand Prix on February 5th, 2026. The match was a display of resilience from Zhao, who mounted a remarkable comeback after Selby initially established a commanding lead. [[1]]

Selby’s Early ⁤Dominance and Zhao’s Stunning Recovery

Four-time world champion Mark Selby appeared to be in control early on, building a 4-1 lead with notable ⁤breaks of 90, 109, 73, and 56. However, Zhao Xintong refused⁣ to ⁤concede defeat. He responded with a series of ⁣notable⁤ breaks – 81, 140, and 112 – leveling the⁢ match and forcing a decisive final frame. Zhao⁤ ultimately prevailed, setting up a quarter-final clash ⁣with⁤ Chris Wakelin, who had earlier defeated Elliot Slessor 5-4.

“Mark played very well up to 4-1,” Zhao commented after the⁤ match. “In the last few frames, I thought‍ that if I lose, I need ⁢to⁣ lose‍ like ⁢the world champion. But I can’t believe I won the last four frames. It was