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Metro
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Stephen Hendry makes Zhao Xintong prediction and Ronnie O'Sullivan comparison
Stephen Hendry feels world champion Zhao Xintong has an air of Ronnie O'Sullivan about him and expects plenty more success to come in his future. The 28-year-old beat Mark Williams to win his first world title in Sheffield in May, completing a remarkable return to the game. Zhao sat out for two years after a ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, although he did not fix any matches himself, which is why his punishment was relatively light. In his first World Championship since his return he won four qualifying matches just to reach the Crucible, where he brushed aside Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, O'Sullivan and Williams. Already a UK Championship and German Masters champion before he was banned in January 2023, the Cyclone was very highly thought of as an incredible talent on the baize and that has only been further cemented by his Crucible exploits. Hendry feels he makes the sport look easy in a way no one has since the Rocket came on the scene and expects multiple world titles in Zhao's future. 'I think Xintong is a special, special talent,' Hendry said on his Cue Tips YouTube channel. 'Since Ronnie O'Sullivan, no one's made the game look as easy as Zhao Xintong makes it look. 'He won the World Championship at a canter, really. Okay the draw opened up for him and he could have played other players but you can only beat who is in the other chair and he did it so comfortably. 'I think he's got that special something…if he didn't win another two or three World Championships I'd be very, very surprised. I think he's capable of being at the top of the sport. 'Obviously you've still got players like Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, the Selbys and Shaun Murphys of this world, who are going to be up there. But I think this guy he seems level headed enough and if he can get used to the expectations on his shoulders, I think he can go on to do special things in the sport.' Zhao is yet to play since he downed Williams 18-12 in the Crucible final, with his first match of the new season coming at the Shanghai Masters at the end of this month. He has been busy, though, with his profile exploding in China thanks to becoming the first winner of the World Snooker Championship from the country. The sport is extremely popular in China and while he is set to make plenty of cash from the opportunities which will now present themselves as world champion, he will also have to deal with the pressure of fame. Speaking to Hendry, Zhao said: 'I think it's a big change for me, life's changed, I've got a little bit famous in China. When I walk on the road, fans know me, I'm very happy I can feel that. 'I'm looking forward to next season. I know the season has started now, so I've watched some matches on my phone. I'm looking forward to my first match at the Shanghai Masters. 'When you're famous you get big pressure, I know that but I will try to keep to myself, just keep going, don't think a lot about the media and the internet. I just want to keep to myself.' Beaten finalist Williams also compared Zhao to a young Rocket, saying at the Crucible: 'He's close to as good to watch as O'Sullivan when he was younger. He just walks around the table as if he's just walking to go to the toilet or something. 'He's just strolling. Pots from anywhere. Walks around not a care in the world. Two minutes later he's on 65. Gee whizz! He's got to sixty like that. Frightening.' More Trending While the Welshman can also see the Cyclone breezing to more world titles, he does not see Zhao matching O'Sullivan and Hendry's record of seven, or the Rocket's eight Masters and UK Championship titles. 'No. I don't think anyone will ever challenge them records because the standard is too good to get that many Worlds and Masters and UKs it's too tough,' said Williams. 'Who knows? But it will be highly unlikely.' The Shanghai Masters gets underway on July 28, with Zhao due to play either Chris Wakelin or a wildcard player on July 30. It will be the first time Zhao has played in the current non-ranking version of the Shanghai Masters, which was won last season by Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan on the four editions prior to last year. MORE: Snooker icon warns rivals about 16-year-old rookie with huge future ahead of him MORE: Stephen Hendry puts Ronnie O'Sullivan second in top five snooker players to watch MORE: The players who had dream and nightmare first weeks of the snooker season
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Snooker rule change could yet come into effect with boss open to it after Shaun Murphy demand
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson has admitted he'd be open to looking at shot times in snooker after Shaun Murphy's call for the introduction of shot clocks World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson has revealed he's willing to examine shot times in snooker following Shaun Murphy 's call for shot clocks to be introduced. The former world champion made his proposal last December after criticising Mark Allen for what he claimed was intentional slow play during the UK Championship semi-final against Barry Hawkins whilst working as a BBC commentator. Following Allen's social media response to Murphy's commentary, the 42-year-old addressed his fellow professional on his Onefourseven Podcast, proposing that shot clocks would help officials sidestep issuing slow play warnings to players. "I'd bring in a shot clock," Murphy declared last year. "And I've been saying this for 20 years, so I'm super-consistent on this." When co-host Phil Seymour enquired about the time limit per shot, Murphy replied: "30 seconds. I think a shock clock that is unemotive, unemotional – it can't be swayed, it's not open to opinion – takes all of the pressure off the referees. "This section of the rules puts our referees in a terrible position where some of them get involved and warn a player who's fighting. If we had shot clock, and you can negotiate on 30 seconds... years ago, I got widely criticised for wanting a shot clock. "Now the tide is starting to turn, not in totality, but it is starting to turn and I think, in years to come, we'll see it become a thing." Ferguson recently featured on Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips, where he discussed potential changes to the professional snooker tour. "I think we've always got to be open-minded about change," Ferguson responded when asked by the Scottish snooker legend. He then shared his willingness to consider an in-depth examination of shot times, adding: "Dress code is something you can tamper with a little bit but I'd still like to see the big events protected. One thing I'd like to see is perhaps a more open look at shot times." The Express reports how Hendry was more conservative regarding alterations to major tournaments, saying: "The major events I don't think you need to muck around with. The World Championship should always be the hardest test. Stamina, skill, bottle, everything." Reflecting on last year's disagreement between Murphy and Allen, where the former accused the latter of slow play, it was 'The Magician' who expressed "admiration" for Allen's tactics. "I'm employed by the BBC to call the game as I see it, and that's what I did. I don't remember ever saying that there was anything wrong with what he did," he mentioned on the podcast. "I said he was perfectly within his rights, perfectly within the rules. And if I'm totally honest, I was watching in admiration because he was breaking down a player who the day before had slaughtered me."
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Snooker chief willing to listen over huge rule change after Shaun Murphy plea
Shaun Murphy had an idea to eliminate slow play from snooker (Image: BBC) World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson has expressed his willingness to potentially implement shot clocks in snooker. It comes following Shaun Murphy's call for their introduction. The former world champion raised the issue last December, criticising Mark Allen for slow play during his UK Championship semi-final against Barry Hawkins while providing commentary for the BBC. Murphy, who addressed the matter on social media after Allen's rebuttal, further discussed it on his Onefourseven Podcast, advocating for a shot clock to alleviate the burden on officials around slow play warnings. "I'd bring in a shot clock," Murphy declared last year. "And I've been saying this for 20 years, so I'm super-consistent on this." In conversation with co-host Phil Seymour regarding the duration each shot should be allotted, Murphy suggested: "30 seconds. I think a shock clock that is unemotive, unemotional – it can't be swayed, it's not open to opinion – takes all of the pressure off the referees. "This section of the rules puts our referees in a terrible position where some of them get involved and warn a player who's fighting. "If we had shot clock, and you can negotiate on 30 seconds... years ago, I got widely criticised for wanting a shot clock. "Now the tide is starting to turn, not in totality, but it is starting to turn and I think, in years to come, we'll see it become a thing." The WPBSA chief had his say on Murphy's shot clock suggestion Earlier this week, Ferguson appeared on Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips, where he was asked by the Scotsman about potential changes to the professional tour. "I think we've always got to be open-minded about change," Ferguson replied. He expressed his willingness to reconsider shot times, saying: "Dress code is something you can tamper with a little bit but I'd still like to see the big events protected. One thing I'd like to see is perhaps a more open look at shot times." However, Hendry was hesitant to alter the sport's major tournaments, stating: "The major events I don't think you need to muck around with. The World Championship should always be the hardest test. Stamina, skill, bottle, everything." Mark Allen and Shaun Murphy got into a spat last December (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire) Murphy discussed the controversy between himself and Allen last year, where he had praised Allen's strategy later in his podcast. He said (via the Express): "I'm employed by the BBC to call the game as I see it, and that's what I did. I don't remember ever saying that there was anything wrong with what he did. "I said he was perfectly within his rights, perfectly within the rules. And if I'm totally honest, I was watching in admiration because he was breaking down a player who the day before had slaughtered me."
Metro
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Snooker icon warns rivals about 16-year-old rookie with huge future ahead of him
Former Masters and UK Championship winner Matthew Stevens faced a 16-year-old on Wednesday who he expects to have a very bright future in snooker. Few will have heard of Chinese teenager Lan Yuhao before, with the youngster only a matter of days into his first season as a professional. Lan was competing at the Championship League in Leicester on Wednesday and thoroughly impressed the Welsh veteran. The tour rookie picked up a 2-2 draw against Stevens, knocking in a break of 69 in the first frame, but it was in a subsequent match that he really sparkled. In a clash with fellow rookie Xu Yichen, Lan picked up his first professional win, beating his compatriot 3-1. It was not so much the victory that impressed, but the stunning break of 142 he knocked in along the way. Stevens certainly liked what he saw from the youngster and expects to see a lot more from him in the years to come. After topping the group and progressing to the next stage of the Championship League, the Welshman said: 'I tell you who I was impressed with, the 16-year-old in the group, he's got some future, he hits the ball really well. 'He's definitely going to be a pain in the future for a lot of players.' Another Welsh veteran, Dominic Dale, was on commentary as Lan made the epic 142 break against Xu and likened him to a Chinese star who is a few years ahead of him. 'He's got a touch of Si Jiahui about him, this young fellow, with the tempo,' said Dale. 'He's a confident player, what a break this has been.' Commentator Phil Yates wondered aloud: 'Have we just seen the first glimpse of future stardom?' It is very early to be getting too excited, with Lan winning just one of his first five games on tour, but there is clearly a lot of talent and potential in the new arrival in the professional game. As a 15-year-old he very nearly qualified for the pro tour, reaching the final round of 2024 Asia & Oceania Q School, having won eight matches over two events. Michal Szubarczyk (Poland) – 14Lan Yuhao (China) – 16Bulcsu Revesz (Hungary) – 18Gong Chenzhi (China) – 18 Stan Moody (England) – 18 Lan can be pleased with his performances on Wednesday, but Yuan Sijun can be delighted with his, winning the other Championship League group in action without dropping a frame. The 25-year-old beat Stuart Carrington, Alexander Ursenbacher and Sanderson Lam 3-0, with the final victory an exhibition of break-building. Given Yuan had already secured top spot in the group he could have taken his foot off the pedal against Lam, but quite the opposite happened as he knocked in breaks of 104, 123 and 106. Yuan was tipped for the top some years ago and he has not quite made the progress some expected, but with five victories from five matches so far this season, maybe now is his time to step up. 'Yuan Sijun, he's one of the best youngsters I've seen since the likes of Ding [Junhui], Ronnie [O'Sullivan], Mark Williams or John Higgins turned pro, he's the best I've seen,' Hendry told Metro. 'But it's not an automatic, it's how he's looked after. Does he do the right things with his career? But he has the best potential I've seen so far.' As for 47-year-old Stevens, he will return for the second stage later this month and continue looking for his first ranking title since 2003, which he still believes he can land. More Trending 'I say the same every year, it'll be nice to get to a final and hopefully win a tournament,' he said. 'We saw Joe Perry win a tournament and Rob Milkins do well, there's no reason why I can't. 'I don't practice enough, I know that and that's up to me. But it'll be nice to get deep into a tournament, win three or four matches and that is my practice really. Let's see what happens, I've definitely got the talent to win another event.' MORE: Stephen Hendry puts Ronnie O'Sullivan second in top five snooker players to watch MORE: The players who had dream and nightmare first weeks of the snooker season MORE: Sam Craigie feared for snooker career after neck surgery but now feels better than ever
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Stephen Hendry snubs Ronnie O'Sullivan as he names his top 5 favourite snooker players to watch
STEPHEN HENDRY has snubbed Ronnie O'Sullivan in his pick for most entertaining snooker player. The six-time world champion is a big admirer of The Rocket and confessed he always wants to commentate on his matches. Advertisement 3 Ronnie O'Sullivan is not Stephen Hendry's favourite player to watch Credit: Getty 3 The Scot picked his top five most entertaining snooker stars Credit: Alamy But there are several snooker stars Hendry is fond of, including his idol Hendry, 56, says White's style and the shots he produced in his prime helped him fall in love with snooker. He named White fifth in his top five list however, behind Judd Trump and Jack Lisowski, who place fourth and third respectively. Hendry is a big fan of Trump's power and his breakbuilding abilities, while he believes Lisowski is reminiscent of Advertisement READ MORE IN SNOOKER That leaves the top two, and although Hendry believes O'Sullivan is the best player of all time, he is still not his favourite to watch. He said on the "If Ronnie is in a tournament and I get my rota for commentating, I always hope to be on his matches. "He's the greatest player of all-time. Break-building, cue ball control, if you don't like watching that then you don't like watching snooker. When he's on he plays the game perfectly, basically." Advertisement Most read in Snooker Exclusive CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Hendry then went on to make a shock revelation, naming Thepchaiya Un-Nooh as his number one favourite. The Scot continued: "Thepchaiya Un-Nooh is my favourite player to watch. Unbelievable talent. Championship League snooker match awkwardly interrupted by Ice Cream Van "He beat me 6-1 once in the UK Championship qualifiers, he had five centuries and I don't think any of them took more than seven or eight minutes. The cue ball was on a string, it was absolute perfection. Advertisement "How he's where he's ranked in the world…talent isn't enough on its own to be successful and he proves it because he's got bucket loads of talent. "I love watching him play. It's all-out attack, he refuses nothing. Incredible talent, incredible player, incredible speed." 3 Thepchaiya Un-Nooh is ranked No46 in the world Credit: Getty
