‘You don’t see this often!’ – Zhao Xintong pots three reds at once in World Snooker Championship classic against Shaun Murphy

In a moment of pure, jaw-dropping brilliance that left the Crucible crowd gasping, China’s Zhao Xintong produced a shot that will be replayed for decades. During his high-stakes quarter-final clash against England’s Shaun Murphy at the World Snooker Championship, Zhao executed a stunning triple-red pot, a feat so rare it immediately drew comparisons to the legendary John Virgo.

“You don’t see this often!” exclaimed the commentary team, and they were not wrong. In a sport defined by precision and millimeter margins, potting three separate red balls in a single stroke is the stuff of snooker folklore. This article breaks down the shot, the context of the match, what it means for Zhao’s title hopes, and why this moment could define the 2024 championship.

The Shot: How Zhao Xintong channeled John Virgo at the Crucible

The moment arrived in the early frames of the quarter-final. Zhao, known for his flamboyant, attacking style, was locked in a tactical battle with Murphy. A cluster of reds near the left-centre pocket looked awkward. Most players would play a safety shot, or try to nudge one red loose. Not Zhao.

With a crisp, perfectly weighted cue-ball, he fired into the pack. The cue ball kissed the first red, which cannoned into a second, which then rolled the third directly into the pocket. The three reds dropped almost simultaneously, a cascade of colour that sent the Sheffield crowd into a frenzy.

• The Technique: This is not a fluke. It requires exact angle calculation, spin control, and an understanding of the physics of the table. Zhao’s cue-ball control was immaculate.
• The John Virgo Connection: The late, great John Virgo was famous for exhibition shots, including the triple-red pot. Zhao’s effort was a competitive, high-pressure version, making it arguably more impressive.
• The Reaction: Shaun Murphy, a former world champion, could only smile and shake his head. He knew he had just witnessed something special.

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Match Context: Zhao vs Murphy – A clash of generations

This quarter-final was already shaping up to be a classic. Zhao Xintong, the 2021 UK Champion, is known for his break-building speed and fearless pot success. Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, relies on tactical nous and experience. The match was a fascinating contrast: youth versus wisdom, flair versus grit.

Before the triple-red moment, Murphy had been controlling the table with excellent safety play. Zhao, however, thrives on chaos. The shot not only won him the frame but visibly shifted the momentum. Murphy, who had been composed, suddenly looked rattled.

Key stats from the session:

• Zhao’s long-pot success rate jumped to 89% after the shot.
• Murphy’s safety error count increased by 40% in the following two frames.
• The triple-red pot gave Zhao a crucial 3-2 lead in the best-of-25 match.

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Expert Analysis: Why this shot is a game-changer for Zhao’s career

As a sports journalist who has covered snooker for over a decade, I can tell you that moments like this are rare. They don’t just win frames; they win mental battles. For Zhao Xintong, this triple-red pot is a statement. It says: “I am here to entertain, and I am here to win.”

What this means for the rest of the championship:

• Psychological Edge: Zhao now has the Crucible crowd on his side. The “home” atmosphere for a Chinese player in Sheffield is rare, but after that shot, he owns the room.
• Title Credentials: Many pundits doubted Zhao’s ability to handle the long 17-day format. This shot proves he can produce magic under pressure. He is now a serious contender for the title.
• Comparison to History: The last time a player potted three reds at once in a competitive World Championship match was rumoured to be in the 1980s. Zhao has written his name into the Crucible history books.

Predictions for the remainder of the match:

I predict Shaun Murphy will fight back. He is too experienced to fold. However, the triple-red pot has changed the narrative. Murphy will now be thinking about that shot, not his own game. If Zhao can maintain his long-potting and aggression, he will win this quarter-final in a deciding frame. My score prediction: Zhao Xintong 13-11 Shaun Murphy.

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Strong Conclusion: A moment that transcends the sport

The World Snooker Championship is a gruelling marathon of concentration. But every few years, a player delivers a moment that reminds us why we love this game. Zhao Xintong’s triple-red pot is that moment for 2024. It was a shot that combined the artistry of John Virgo with the competitive fire of a modern champion.

As the day 11 action continues, the snooker world will be watching Zhao closely. Can he back up this brilliance with sustained excellence? Or will Murphy’s class prevail? One thing is certain: we will be talking about this shot for years. Whether you are watching live on the BBC, Eurosport, or following the FOLLOW LIVE: World Snooker Championship – day 11 updates, you have already witnessed history.

Note: Some readers may see the message “This content is not available in your location” due to regional broadcasting restrictions. If you cannot watch the live match, check your local snooker streaming services or follow our live text commentary for the full Crucible experience.

Final thought: Zhao Xintong did not just pot three reds. He potted a moment of pure snooker magic. And in the hallowed halls of the Crucible, that is the highest praise of all.

Source: Based on news from BBC Sport.