Anthony Hamilton certainly thinks highly of reigning World Snooker Champion Zhao Xintong but sent him a stern warning about his ability to dominate the sport.
Zhao Xintong's calmness on the baize has been noted by Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton has warned Zhao Xintong that while he possesses the talent to win snooker tournaments, he'll never dominate the sport like Judd Trump. The Englishman, who retired earlier this month after 31 years as a professional, has been highly complimentary of the Chinese star who claimed his maiden world title last month after beating Mark Williams at The Crucible.
It was in the 2021/22 season where Zhao had his breakthrough on the professional tour after claiming victory at the 2021 UK Championship before following up with a triumph at the 2022 German Masters. A fan of the Cyclone, Hamilton praised his easy-going style of play, claiming his casual approach to the sport reminds him of a "billionaire's son"
"It looks like he’s just on a little Sunday stroll in the club when he’s playing," he told Metro. You know what he plays like? He plays like a billionaire’s son." While praising Zhao, the Sheriff of Pottingham did claim that for all of the world champion's talent, he doubts he'd be able to dominate the sport like Judd Trump did.
"He might go missing again for another half of the season," he said of Xintong. "He’s done it before, where he’s won tournaments and gone missing because it just looks like it’s the way he plays. He could go missing, but then he could win two back-to-back, easy. He’s not going to dominate like Judd does, I don’t think. But he will win tournaments at a canter at times."
Remaining the world number one, Trump went on a run of 10 ranking event victories in a row between 2018 and 2020, which included the World Snooker Championship in 2019. Hamilton discussed the enjoyment he's had in watching the 35-year-old's evolution from a player he claimed was a "one trick pony" early in his career.
Anthony Hamilton claimed Judd Trump's dominance won't be replicated by Zhao Xintong
"When he first came on the scene he was a one trick pony, just potting everything," he added. "He sat down and thought about it with his brother. How can I improve? What do I do? And he’s done it off his own back. That’s really impressive. Now when I watch him I’m like, 'Christ, I’m glad I’m not playing you anymore.' Even when he’s crap he’s amazing!"
Zhao's Crucible victory saw him return to prominence after he was banned from the sport due to his involvement in snooker's biggest match-fixing scandal. Hamilton credited the snooker star's suspension and added maturity as part of the success he's been able to have. "He appreciates it now that he had it taken away," he continued. "But also he’s 28, he’s not a spring chicken anymore, and it can take that long to really get to grips with this game."
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