Zhao Xintong’s Rise to the Top Five
Zhao Xintong has reached a new career-high, climbing to number five in the official snooker rankings after his victory at the 2026 Players Championship in Telford on Sunday.
The Chinese number one overcame a slow start to defeat John Higgins 10-7, finishing strongly with two centuries and a 92-point run over the final three frames.
This win marks Zhao’s second straight ranking event triumph, making him the only player this season to capture more than one title.
Official Snooker Rankings: Key Movers
Zhao’s rise comes at a time when he has no significant points to defend until the 2027 World Championship, allowing him to steadily climb the rankings. His previous career-high was sixth, and reaching fifth brings him closer to challenging the sport’s elite.
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Top 5 (2-Year Rankings, Feb 23, 2026):
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Judd Trump – £1,797,550
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Kyren Wilson – £1,369,200
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Neil Robertson – £1,154,850
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Mark Williams – £995,400
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Zhao Xintong – £953,550
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Mark Selby drops to seventh, with Higgins sixth. Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, and Xiao Guodong complete the top ten, while Ronnie O’Sullivan, who skipped the event, falls to 14th but remains safely inside the top 16.
Rising star Wu Yize sits 12th, ahead of Chris Wakelin, Barry Hawkins, Ding Junhui, and Si Jiahui.
Race to the Tour Championship
The Players Series is entering its final stretch, with only two ranking events left before the 12-player Tour Championship field is finalized in Manchester.
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1-Year Rankings (Feb 23, 2026) Top 5:
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Neil Robertson – £635,300
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Zhao Xintong – £443,550
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Mark Selby – £419,350
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Shaun Murphy – £384,900
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Judd Trump – £339,350
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Zhao’s recent win moves him to second on the 1-year list, ahead of Selby, Murphy, Trump, and Williams. Higgins climbs six spots to 11th, while Xiao Guodong holds the last qualifying position in 12th.
Others chasing a Tour Championship spot include Zhou Yuelong, Barry Hawkins, Zhang Anda, and Jack Lisowski, who will need deep runs in the Welsh Open and World Open to make the cut.
Next Ranking Event: Welsh Open 2026
The 2026 Welsh Open is already underway at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, running from February 23 to March 1. It is the final Home Nations event of the season, following previous stages in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
What This Means
Zhao Xintong’s consistent form signals a new era of Chinese prominence in snooker. His consecutive ranking titles and career-high ranking could position him as a serious contender for the world number one spot in the near future. Meanwhile, the ongoing Players Series and Welsh Open offer key opportunities for other top players to strengthen their positions ahead of the Tour Championship.
FAQ
Q: When is Zhao Xintong’s next ranking event?
A: Zhao will compete in the 2026 Welsh Open in Llandudno from Feb 23 to Mar 1.
Q: Who leads the 1-year snooker rankings?
A: Neil Robertson is currently first, with Zhao Xintong in second.
Q: How many players qualify for the Tour Championship?
A: The top 12 from the 1-year ranking list earn spots in Manchester.
Q: Why is Ronnie O’Sullivan lower in rankings?
A: O’Sullivan skipped events, affecting his provisional 2-year ranking, now 14th.
