**Stephen Hendry Tips Zhao Xintong for World Championship Snooker Glory Over Mark Williams**
Snooker legend Stephen Hendry has revealed his prediction for the outcome of this year’s highly anticipated World Snooker Championship final, as Zhao Xintong faces off against the seasoned Mark Williams in Sheffield. The encounter is set to provide a gripping contest over the next two days, with both athletes bringing contrasting styles, experience, and aspirations to the sport’s grandest stage.
Mark Williams, the Welsh great, booked his place in the prestigious final after a remarkable victory over world number one Judd Trump on Saturday evening. At 50, Williams has made history, becoming the oldest player to reach the final at the Crucible Theatre, once again underlining his longevity and skill at the highest level of the game.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xintong, who is chasing his maiden world title, arrives at the showdown in impressive form. The Chinese star saw off legendary opponent Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals, showing composure and potting prowess that have marked him as one of snooker’s brightest young talents.
The final presents a fascinating contrast in careers and playing styles. While Williams is seeking his fourth world crown, Zhao, more than two decades his junior, is aiming to write his name in the history books by clinching his very first. Despite the generational gap between the two, snooker enthusiasts agree that predicting a winner is far from straightforward.
However, seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, arguably one of the sport’s most respected voices, has weighed in with his own analysis. During coverage, Hendry explained his belief that Zhao has the upper hand due to one crucial factor: his relentless scoring ability. “It’s difficult,” Hendry admitted, “but I think Xintong. He’s scoring too heavily and winning too many frames in a row.” Hendry pointed to Zhao’s consistency and flair, suggesting these qualities could make the difference on snooker’s biggest stage.
Adding further perspective, pundit Steve Davis commented on Zhao’s temperament, noting, “He seems like he’s a big-occasion player. I think it goes one of two ways. Either Xintong is an absolute flying machine and he just blasts Mark off the table. Or Mark puts him through the wringer.” Davis also highlighted that Williams is more than capable of using his vast experience to teach the younger player a few lessons about match play under intense pressure.
Williams’ career has been defined by his tactical mastery and deft touch around the table, attributes that have come to the fore during this year’s tournament. Yet, as Hendry was quick to note, Williams’ strength is not limited to strategy and guile. The Scot praised the Welshman’s scoring, saying, “He’s also scoring, very, very heavily. He’s not just using his craft or dark arts, he’s potting long balls and scoring heavily. Along with everything else that he does, that’s pretty hard to beat!”
The scheduling for the climactic clash sees the action get underway at 1pm on Sunday, 4th May, with both players eyeing the ultimate prize in snooker. The Crucible will bear witness to a fascinating duel between youth and experience, explosive talent and battle-hardened resilience.
For Zhao, this final signifies an opportunity to firmly announce himself on the global stage and inspire a new generation of Chinese snooker players. For Williams, it is another chance to cement his legacy and add to an already decorated career.
Regardless of who emerges victorious, the contest is expected to deliver high drama and top-class snooker, with both players bringing their unique brand of excellence to the table. The snooker world waits in anticipation to see whether Hendry’s prediction will come true or if Williams will once again defy the odds.
As the World Championship final unfolds, all eyes will be on Sheffield to see who claims the most coveted trophy in the sport.