Peak China Derby: Zhao Xintong Defeats Snooker Veteran Ding Junhui
Today's 2026 Snooker World Championship Round of 16 featured a peak China derby, where defending champion Zhao Xintong battled through three stages to defeat Ding Junhui 13-9. This marks Zhao Xintong's first World Championship victory over his opponent, securing a strong advance to the quarterfinals. It was the first 25-frame, 13-win match of their careers, seen as a passing of the torch between China's new and old snooker leaders.
In the first stage, both players were evenly matched at 4-4. Ding Junhui staged an extreme comeback (62:61) in the 8th frame, while Zhao Xintong hit a single break of 116.
In the second stage, Zhao Xintong's form soared, with a long pot success rate of 71%, scoring a century break of 115 and three 50+ breaks, establishing a 9-7 lead.
In the third stage, Ding Junhui fought back to 9-11, but Zhao Xintong withstood the pressure and hit a single break of 108 to secure match point, eventually winning 13-9.
Zhao Xintong made 3 century breaks and 5 50+ breaks; Ding Junhui made 8 50+ breaks. Although he played steadily, his accuracy on crucial shots was slightly lacking.
After this match, Zhao Xintong has become the new core of Chinese snooker, while Ding Junhui continues to demonstrate top competitiveness at the age of 39. Together, they support the golden age of Chinese snooker.
Next, in the quarterfinals, Zhao Xintong will face Shaun Murphy, aiming for a place in the World Championship semifinals.