World Champion Zhao Xintong heads to York for the 2025 UK Championship filled with confidence after claiming his first major trophy since his breakthrough world title. The 2025 event at the Barbican Centre offers him the chance to join an exclusive group of snooker legends who have captured both the World Championship and the UK Championship in the same season.
Zhao’s stunning performance earlier in the year reminded fans of his explosive, attacking style that first made him one of the sport’s brightest stars. His victory reignited discussions about his potential to dominate the tour and confirmed that his flair and composure are returning at just the right moment.
As Zhao put it,
"Winning again feels like a fresh start. I want to keep this rhythm going and achieve something special in York."
Only a handful of players—like Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and John Higgins—have managed to lift both the World and UK titles in a single campaign. Achieving that "title double" would place Zhao in rare company and mark a major step toward cementing his legacy.
Analysts point out that his natural cue control and fearlessness under pressure make him a strong contender. Still, with fierce competition from form players such as Judd Trump and Mark Allen, Zhao will need to sustain his best level across two demanding weeks of play.
The 28-year-old Chinese star said that maintaining focus is his top priority as he balances the pressure of expectations with the need to enjoy his game.
"When I’m relaxed, I play my best snooker," Zhao noted. "That’s the mindset I’m bringing to the UK Championship."
The tournament will test his resilience, but a triumph in York could confirm Zhao as one of snooker’s defining talents of his generation.
Author’s summary: Zhao Xintong enters the 2025 UK Championship inspired by a recent triumph, aiming to emulate snooker legends with a rare world and UK title double.