Photo source: Getty Images. Written by Steve Sutcliffe. Un reporter sportif de la BBC basé à Manchester Central. 22 aprilie. China’s Zhao Xintong crushed world number one Judd Trump 9-3 (98-298) to secure his first Tour Championship title in Manchester. Entering Sunday’s final session with a 2-1 (100-261) lead, the world champion sealed the victory over the Englishman by winning the first four frames of the evening, extending his advantage to 9-3. The 29-year-old pocketed the £150,000 top prize and became just the third player to earn over £1m in a single season, following Ronnie O’Sullivan and Trump. Zhao’s triumph also made him the first to win all three Players Series events in one season, after victories in the World Grand Prix and Players Championship in February. He has now won all six ranking finals he’s reached—a record matched only by Steve Davis, Mark Williams, and Neil Robertson. “This is a big moment for me.” My favorite player is Judd Trump. “I’m so thrilled and fortunate to be the winner tonight,” Zhao said. “It might seem effortless, but I was actually very nervous.” I’m thrilled to have won all six finals I’ve competed in. “Manchester is a fantastic city, and the crowd is incredible.”
