In a dominant display of precision and composure, China’s Zhao Xintong thrashed world number one Judd Trump 10-3 to claim his first Tour Championship title in Manchester. The 29-year-old world champion delivered a masterclass in snooker, leaving the top-ranked Englishman struggling to find answers as Zhao secured a historic victory on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
The victory is not merely a single tournament win but the culmination of a historic run. By capturing this title, Zhao Xintong became the first player in history to win all three events in the Players Series in a single season, having previously triumphed in both the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship in February BBC Sport.
The win also carries significant financial and statistical weight. Zhao banked the £150,000 top prize, making him only the third player ever to earn more than £1 million in a single season, joining the elite company of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump.
A Dominant Path to the Title
Zhao’s path to the Tour Championship trophy was marked by a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport. Before facing Trump in the final, Zhao demolished John Higgins 10-1 in the semi-finals on Saturday. This result was particularly significant as it inflicted the heaviest defeat of Higgins’ distinguished 34-year professional career Flashscore.
In the final, Trump initially attempted to stem the tide, fighting back from 2-0 down to level the match at 2-2. However, that resistance was short-lived. Zhao took control of the match, winning all but one of the following nine frames to secure the 10-3 victory. Heading into the final session on Sunday, Zhao held a 5-3 lead and immediately put the match beyond Trump’s reach by reeling off the first four frames of the evening to establish a 9-3 advantage BBC Sport.
Trump, who had reached the final after beating two-time champion Neil Robertson 10-4 in his own semi-final on Friday, appeared to struggle throughout the match. Reports indicated that the world number one was hampered by a troublesome tip, a technical issue that can make precise cueing exceptionally difficult Sporting Life.
Zhao Xintong wins the Tour Championship final! 🏆Watch | Stream on 5 ▶️5 – https://t.co/bJtJ9HJ0Zr
Historic Records and Ranking Finals
Beyond the Players Series hat-trick, Zhao has established a flawless record in high-pressure matches. He has now won every one of the six ranking finals he has appeared in. This rare feat places him in a prestigious group of players, as it has only previously been achieved by Steve Davis, Mark Williams and Neil Robertson BBC Sport.
Reflecting on the victory, Zhao acknowledged the emotional weight of beating his idol. “This is a big moment for me. Judd Trump is my favourite player. I am really happy and lucky that tonight I am the one that has won,” Zhao said. He also admitted to battling nerves despite the scoreline, stating, “It may appear uncomplicated but actually I was incredibly nervous. I am happy to have won all six of the finals I’ve been in” BBC Sport.
Zhao also praised the atmosphere in Manchester, noting that the city and the crowd were “amazing,” which helped him enjoy the game despite the inherent difficulty of the sport.
Looking Ahead: The Crucible Challenge
The manner of Zhao’s victory in Manchester has sent an “ominous warning” to the rest of the field ahead of the World Championship. Zhao enters the tournament as the defending champion, having claimed the crown 12 months ago. With just 13 days remaining until the start of the event in Sheffield, his current form makes him the overwhelming favorite to retain his title BBC Sport.
Acknowledging the difficulty of the task ahead, Zhao told Channel 5, “I realize it’s very difficult, but I’ll be trying to get it back” Sporting Life. His recent trajectory—including the 10-1 demolition of John Higgins and the 10-3 rout of the world number one—suggests a player at the absolute peak of his powers.
Key Takeaways from the Tour Championship Final
- Result: Zhao Xintong defeated Judd Trump 10-3.
- Historic Achievement: First player to win all three Players Series events (World Grand Prix, Players Championship, and Tour Championship) in one season.
- Financial Milestone: Third player to exceed £1 million in earnings in a single season.
- Perfect Record: Zhao has now won all six of his career ranking finals.
- Upcoming Event: Zhao heads to the World Championship as the defending champion.
The snooker world now turns its attention to the Crucible, where Zhao will attempt to defend his world title. We will provide updates as the tournament progresses. What do you experience about Zhao’s historic run? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this story with fellow fans.