Dennis Taylor Predicts Zhao Xintong Will Thwart Ronnie O'Sullivan's Historic Bid
Snooker icon Dennis Taylor has made a bold prediction for the upcoming World Snooker Championship, backing defending champion Zhao Xintong to deny Ronnie O'Sullivan a record-breaking eighth title and shatter the infamous "Crucible Curse."
The Crucible Curse and Historical Context
Since the tournament moved to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 1977, no first-time world champion has successfully defended their title. This longstanding jinx has persisted for decades, affecting even the sport's greatest players.
Ronnie O'Sullivan himself fell victim to this curse after his initial World Championship victory in 2001, managing only a semi-final appearance the following year before securing his next title in 2004. The Rocket now eyes history as he seeks an unprecedented eighth world championship, which would surpass Stephen Hendry's record of seven titles.
Taylor's Championship Predictions
In an exclusive interview with Betway, Taylor revealed his tournament favourites: "I'm going to go for Zhao Xintong beating the Crucible Curse. That would be a big story. He'd be the first player ever to do that, and I think he can because he's capable of doing that."
The former world champion elaborated on his reasoning: "I just love the way he plays the game. He reminds me a lot of Ronnie with the way he flows into the shot – he's just such a complete player and is great to watch."
Taylor ranked his top three contenders as follows:
- Zhao Xintong as his clear favourite
- Ronnie O'Sullivan in second place
- Judd Trump rounding out the top three
The snooker legend emphasized: "I wouldn't really pick anybody outside those three." Regarding Trump, Taylor noted: "I mean, Judd, when you think of the talent, that he's world number one and he's only won one world title... It's only right for him to win again."
Zhao Xintong's Impressive Form
Since claiming his maiden World Championship title in 2025 with an 18-12 victory over Mark Williams, the Chinese star has demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill. Xintong has secured multiple prestigious titles including:
- The World Grand Prix
- The Players Championship
- The Tour Championship
Most notably, he recently defeated Judd Trump at the Tour Championship, further cementing his status as a formidable contender heading into Sheffield.
O'Sullivan's Record Pursuit
A major narrative surrounding this year's championship focuses on whether O'Sullivan can establish himself as the undisputed greatest in snooker history. After matching Hendry's record with his seventh title in 2022, the Rocket suffered a semi-final defeat last year but still managed to create headlines by scoring the highest break in snooker history.
Taylor commented on O'Sullivan's complex relationship with records: "I know Ronnie says he isn't bothered about records, but he wants to beat Stephen Hendry's record of seven world titles, and he has beaten every other record except for the eight world titles. He doesn't bother about titles and what he does, but the fact that he has just made history again with the highest break, he just keeps doing it."
The stage is set for a dramatic World Snooker Championship where history, curses, and legendary careers will collide in what promises to be one of the most compelling tournaments in recent memory.
