Steve Davis is backing Zhao Xintong to get the better of Ding Junhui in the second round of the World Snooker Championship, suggesting the Lion King tells you all you need to know about what will happen.
Snooker legend Steve Davis has offered a characteristically unconventional take on the anticipated clash between Zhao Xintong and Ding Junhui—drawing inspiration not from statistics or recent form, but from Disney’s The Lion King.
Speaking ahead of the high-profile encounter, Davis suggested that the dynamics between the two Chinese stars mirror the narrative arc of the iconic film. In his view, Ding represents the seasoned “Mufasa” figure—dominant, experienced, and once the undisputed king—while Zhao embodies a younger “Simba,” brimming with flair, fearlessness, and the potential to inherit the throne.
Davis explained that, much like in The Lion King, the story isn’t just about raw ability but about timing and psychological readiness. Ding Junhui has long been the standard-bearer for Chinese snooker, a trailblazer whose success opened doors for players like Zhao. However, recent years have seen a shift, with Zhao’s attacking style and confidence signaling a generational transition.
“The film shows that there comes a moment when the younger lion has to step forward,” Davis noted. “It’s not about disrespecting the past—it’s about fulfilling what’s next. Zhao looks like he’s ready for that moment.”
The analogy, while lighthearted, carries weight when applied to current form. Zhao Xintong has built a reputation as one of the most naturally gifted players on the circuit, capable of dismantling opponents with rapid-fire breaks and fearless shot-making. His breakthrough victories in major tournaments have marked him as a serious contender on the global stage.
Ding Junhui, on the other hand, remains a formidable presence. Despite fluctuations in form, his experience in high-pressure matches and tactical intelligence cannot be underestimated. For many fans, he still represents the heart of Chinese snooker, and a resurgence is never out of the question.
Davis’s comparison also hints at the emotional layer of the matchup. There is mutual respect between the two players, but also an unspoken narrative of succession. Just as Simba must eventually step out of Mufasa’s shadow, Zhao faces the challenge of surpassing the man who paved the way for his career.
However, Davis stopped short of declaring the outcome as inevitable. “In The Lion King, the journey isn’t straightforward,” he added. “There are setbacks, doubts, and moments where the old guard still shows its strength. Ding has that in him—he can remind everyone why he’s been at the top.”
Ultimately, Davis believes the match will hinge on composure. If Zhao plays with freedom and confidence, he could seize control and confirm the symbolic “passing of the crown.” But if Ding can impose his experience and slow the tempo, he may yet prove that the king still has plenty left to give.
Whether or not fans buy into the Lion King analogy, the clash between Zhao Xintong and Ding Junhui promises to be a compelling chapter in snooker’s evolving story—one that blends legacy, ambition, and the timeless question of when one era truly gives way to the next.
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