John Higgins Predicts Historic Crucible Breakthrough for Zhao Xintong
Four-time World Snooker Championship winner John Higgins has boldly named China's Zhao Xintong as his favorite to win this year's prestigious tournament, backing the reigning champion to shatter the infamous Crucible curse. Higgins believes Zhao possesses the unique talent required to become the first player in history to successfully defend a maiden world title at Sheffield's iconic venue.
The Crucible Curse and Zhao's Historic Achievement
Zhao Xintong made history in 2025 when he became China's first world snooker champion, defeating Mark Williams in the final after overcoming Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semifinals. Now the player nicknamed 'The Cyclone' faces the daunting Crucible curse, which has prevented every first-time champion from retaining their title at the Sheffield theatre since the tournament moved there in 1977.
Kyren Wilson became the latest victim of this hex last year, joining a distinguished list of modern greats who have fallen to the venue's notorious pattern. Higgins, however, sees something special in Zhao that could break this longstanding tradition.
Higgins' Unwavering Confidence in Zhao's Abilities
The Scottish legend, known as the Wizard of Wishaw, recently faced Zhao in the Players Championship final in February and came away deeply impressed. Higgins described the Chinese superstar as a 'genius' on the table and pointed to his exceptional break-building prowess as the key factor that could propel him to another world title.
'I think Xintong, the way he plays and how easy he wins frames, and just the way he goes about the patterns he's got. I think Xintong is favorite,' Higgins declared when asked about this year's championship prospects.
When questioned about whether the Crucible curse would hinder Zhao's chances, Higgins remained adamant: 'No, I don't think so. He's that special a player, I think.'
Barry Hawkins' Perspective on the Wide-Open Field
Recent Welsh Open winner Barry Hawkins offered a more cautious assessment when asked about potential favorites for the World Championship. The English professional described the field as 'so wide open' and struggled to pinpoint a single frontrunner.
'You've got [Judd] Trump. He's been there or thereabouts all year, won a tournament,' Hawkins noted. 'Ronnie looks like he's playing well, Xintong, if anyone's going to break the curse, it could be him, there's so many good players. Mark [Selby] has got a chance.'
Hawkins was notably modest about his own prospects, focusing instead on overcoming his recent first-round struggles at the Crucible. 'I just want to win the first game. I don't fancy my chances at the moment, no,' he admitted, referencing three first-round exits in the last four years.
Venue Expansion Sparks Mixed Reactions
The World Snooker Championship's future at the Crucible was recently secured until 2045 following an announcement that the venue will undergo renovations and increase its capacity by 500 seats. While this news has been generally well-received, Hawkins expressed reservations about whether the expansion adequately addresses the tournament's growing popularity.
'It's great that snooker is staying there,' Hawkins acknowledged. 'I was one of the people that thought it needed a bigger and better venue. The tournament is too big for it, we can outsell that tournament three, four times over I think.'
The Hawk questioned whether the 500-seat increase would be sufficient, stating: 'Do I think 500 seats is going to be enough? I don't think it will to be honest with you.' He emphasized his desire for the event to remain in Sheffield but suggested a more substantial venue upgrade might be necessary.
Tour Championship Build-Up and Mutual Respect
Both Higgins and Hawkins are currently competing at the Tour Championship as they prepare for the World Championship. Higgins faces a quarter-final rematch of last year's final against Mark Selby, a player he holds in the highest regard.
'I think every single player that holds a snooker cue knows how great a champion he is,' Higgins said of Selby. 'Every snooker player that plays the game knows what an unbelievable champion Selby is. One of the greatest players that's ever held a cue.'
Higgins enters the tournament with renewed confidence after defeating fellow Class of '92 legend Mark Williams 10-8 in his opening match. 'When you beat those sort of guys, it gives you an inner confidence,' Higgins reflected. 'It's special [to beat Williams]. Especially in the last two or three years, because we have played in such big events.'
As the snooker world anticipates the World Championship, all eyes will be on whether Zhao Xintong can validate Higgins' prediction and make history by breaking the Crucible curse, while players and fans alike watch how the venue's planned renovations will shape the tournament's future atmosphere and accessibility.
