Zhao Xintong’s brilliance was summed up by Alan McManus and Matthew Stevens’ comments about him. Zhao roared into a 5-2 lead against Judd Trump, although the World No. 1 did get one frame back before the afternoon period ended.
Before the final started, McManus and Stevens’ were blown away by the Chinese ace’s display against John Higgins in the semi-final, when he swept the Scot aside 10-1.
The 29-year-old executed one long pot early in the sixth frame with a red ball covering half the pocket. McManus described it as the finest shot that he had ever witnessed.
The audience inside the Manchester Central Convention Complex erupted in applause following that remarkable moment. And McManus said: “He has been amazing again. How do you hurt him on the table, and how do you get to him mentally?
“There is one shot in particular that, I believe, is the best shot I’ve ever seen; it was that good. He only has half a pocket, but he barely hits the cue ball; it is mesmerising. You run out of things to say. I am glad I was not in the comms box, as you would not know what to say.”