Imagine witnessing a thrilling snooker showdown where precision meets patience, and a rising star clinches victory in a high-stakes tournament. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a single frame truly define the outcome of a championship? China’s Zhao Xintong proved it could, as he claimed the Riyadh Season Snooker 167 Championship title in a gripping final against Australia’s Neil Robertson. Published at 14:25 on November 22, 2025, and updated at 15:31 the same day, this victory marked Zhao’s first major win since his World Championship triumph in May.
The final, held at Riyadh’s Global Theater in Boulevard City, kicked off at 10 p.m. local time, with a staggering £250,000 prize awaiting the winner. Played in a best-of-nine frames format, the match began with both players trading blows, leveling the score at 1-1. And this is the part most people miss: the third frame became the turning point. A tense safety battle unfolded, with Zhao’s calm demeanor contrasting sharply with Robertson’s mounting errors. Zhao’s strategic patience paid off, as he capitalized on Robertson’s missed reds and 20 penalty points to take a 2-1 lead.
From there, Zhao dominated. In the fourth frame, he showcased his prowess with a flawless 131 break, extending his lead to 3-1. After a brief interval, Zhao continued his relentless form, delivering a near-perfect 134 clearance in the fifth frame to surge ahead 4-1. Though Robertson fought back with a spirited 91 break in the sixth frame, reducing the deficit to 4-2, Zhao’s defensive mastery in the seventh frame sealed the deal. A 5-2 victory crowned him champion.
Earlier, Zhao had edged past England’s Judd Trump in a nail-biting 4-3 semifinal, avenging a previous loss. Reflecting on his journey, Zhao shared with Xinhua, ‘I never gave up, adjusted my mindset, and turned it around. I’m very happy about that.’ Despite having just an hour between matches, he remained focused, even joking about catching his flight post-win.
The Riyadh Season Snooker 167 Championship, known for its innovative ‘Golden Ball’ rule, adds a unique twist. Players can achieve a maximum 167 break by potting all 15 reds with blacks, clearing the colors, and sinking the golden ball for a $1 million bonus. Zhao admitted the pressure was immense, noting, ‘Even for top players, the difficulty is extremely high. It’s a different kind of psychological test.’
This win comes at a pivotal moment for Zhao, whose form had been inconsistent since his World Championship victory. ‘This title is a big boost to my confidence,’ he said, aiming for better results in the coming year. He also thanked his supporters, including Chinese diplomats, overseas Chinese, and local Saudi fans, dedicating the trophy to their unwavering encouragement.
But here’s a thought-provoking question: With the ‘Golden Ball’ rule adding such immense pressure, does it enhance the sport or distract from traditional gameplay? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
