Zhao Targets More Titles

Zhao Xintong, the only player to win two ranking titles already this season, hopes to keep up his successful streak and add to his collection of silverware.

China’s 24-year-old Zhao will be playing in the Cazoo Players Championship for the first time next week in Wolverhampton, as the number one seed. He faces Barry Hawkins in the opening round on Tuesday afternoon – for the match schedule click here.

Zhao won his first pro title at the Cazoo UK Championship in December and doubled his tally just eight weeks later with victory at the BildBet German Masters. At the magnificent Tempodrom venue in Berlin, he crushed Yan Bingtao 9-0 in the final.

“I am so happy. I played well last week,” said world number eight Zhao. “It was unbelievable to play Yan in the best venue. After matches we always stick together, and eat some food. We are friends so it was no problem.

“Winning the UK Championship gave me a lot of confidence and that was important for me. When I played Judd Trump in Germany I believed I could win.

“The last two months have been a big change for me. I hope in the future I can go on and win more matches and more titles. Next week will be my first time at the Players Championship, I will enjoy it.”

It’s a strong field at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton as Zhao is joined by the likes of Judd Trump, Neil Robertson, Ronnie O’Sullivan and defending champion John Higgins. Tickets are still available and start at just £15 – for details click here.