Zhao Xintong has reached the top of the world snooker rankings for the first time after defeating Neil Robertson 5-1 at the Wuhan Open.
The 29-year-old became only the 13th player since the modern ranking system was introduced in 1975 to occupy the No. 1 position, and just the second Chinese player after Ding Junhui.
Zhao produced four century breaks or sizeable contributions of 106, 91, 113 and 54 to comfortably overcome Robertson, who had been hoping to reclaim the top ranking for the first time since 2015.
Judd Trump also had a chance to retain his position at the summit, but his 5-1 quarter-final loss to Chang Bingyu means he will fall to fifth in the provisional rankings.
Despite achieving a major career milestone, Zhao insists becoming world No. 1 is not his ultimate objective. Instead, he wants to continue learning from the best players, particularly Ronnie O’Sullivan, as he seeks greater consistency and more major success.
Zhao admitted he felt nervous after moving 2-0 ahead of Robertson, but managed to regain his composure and control the match.
The Chinese star has already enjoyed an outstanding 2026, winning the World Grand Prix, Players Championship and Tour Championship.
He will meet defending champion Xiao Guodong in the Wuhan Open semi-finals, while O’Sullivan faces Chang Bingyu in the other last-four clash.
Xiao, meanwhile, defeated Mark Williams 5-3 and remains on course to win the same ranking event for a third consecutive year.
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