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World Snooker
SportChina

China star Zhao Xintong says he is still learning after winning World Grand Prix title

World champion looks up to players like Kyren Wilson, Judd Trump and Ding Junhui; believes ‘being disciplined in daily life’ is key to success

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In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Chinese snooker player Zhao Xintong admits he is still learning about the game. Photo: Jelly TseIn
Mike Chan

World champion snooker star Zhao Xintong admitted he is still learning about the game after adding the Hong Kong World Grand Prix title to his name.

Nine months and 12 ranking tournaments after becoming the first player from China to win the World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield, Zhao beat compatriot Zhang Anda 10-6 at Kai Tak Arena to claim his fourth career ranking title on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to the South China Morning Post a day later, Zhao said he was “only at 40 per cent” when it came to handling pressure and adjusting to his new-found fame.

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“There was a lot of self-doubt after Sheffield because I did not play well at the start of this season, especially in China,” said Zhao, who crashed out early in two out of four tournaments on home soil before the turn of the year.

“I think it’s normal when a player does not play well, or when they read a lot of negative comments.

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“No one can play well in every match, and you cannot possibly achieve the results you want in every game. It’s a transition, and there’s no quick fix. I am still learning; maybe I need to win more titles to cultivate a very stable mindset.

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