Zhao Xintong worthy favourite for World Championship, but do not count out Ronnie O’Sullivan – Alan McManus and Jimmy White.

Zhao Xintong worthy favourite for World Championship, but do not count out Ronnie O’Sullivan – Alan McManus and Jimmy White.

 

 

The narrative heading into the 2026 World Snooker Championship is beginning to crystallise around one compelling theme: the rise of Zhao Xintong as a genuine Crucible favourite. Yet, as former finalists Alan McManus and Jimmy White have both suggested, writing off Ronnie O’Sullivan would be a dangerous mistake.

World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre

Zhao’s case as favourite is rooted in both form and temperament. When he is in full flow, few players in the modern game can live with his scoring power. His break-building is fearless, his long potting audacious, and crucially, his cue action stands up under pressure. The Crucible has historically rewarded heavy scorers who can seize control of matches in a single session — and Zhao fits that mould perfectly.

What sets him apart from many of his contemporaries is his natural attacking instinct combined with improving tactical maturity. Earlier in his career, critics pointed to occasional lapses in shot selection. Now, there is greater patience in his game. He is choosing his moments better, grinding when required, and showing the kind of matchplay intelligence that wins 17-day marathons in Sheffield.

McManus, one of the shrewdest analysts in the sport, has noted that Zhao’s temperament appears far more settled. That is vital at the Crucible, where the unique theatre setting magnifies every miss. The single-table setup, the silence, the sense of history — it can suffocate even the most gifted players. Zhao now looks equipped to embrace it rather than fear it.

Yet if Zhao represents the future, O’Sullivan remains the enduring standard. Even in seasons where he has played a limited schedule, he has shown the ability to peak precisely when it matters most. His tactical nous, safety play, and uncanny knack for clearing under pressure remain unmatched. The idea that age alone can neutralise that competitive instinct feels naïve.

Jimmy White, who knows better than most what it takes to handle the Crucible spotlight, has emphasised that O’Sullivan thrives on being doubted. The less certain the narrative around him, the more dangerous he becomes. He does not need to dominate a season to win a world title; he needs only two inspired weeks.

There is also the psychological factor. Zhao may be favourite on paper, but facing O’Sullivan across 25 or 33 frames is a different examination entirely. The aura, the crowd dynamic, the momentum swings — these are intangibles that statistics cannot measure.

Ultimately, Zhao Xintong deserves his status as the man to beat. His scoring, confidence, and big-match presence make him a worthy market leader. But history teaches a simple lesson at the Crucible: ignore Ronnie O’Sullivan at your peril. The championship may well hinge on whether the new force can withstand the old master when it matters most.