Stephen Hendry's warning re-emerges as Zhao Xintong ready to blow £500,000 prize money

Stephen Hendry's warning re-emerges as Zhao Xintong ready to blow £500,000 prize money
Zhao Xingong became the first Chinese world snooker champion after a stunning Crucible victory, and may want to listen to Stephen Hendry's advice when it comes to spending his £500,000
Zhao Xintong won his first World Championship title to become the first Asian champion
(Image: Getty Images )
With Zhao Xintong now £500,000 better off after his World Snooker Championship victory, the Chinese star may wish to heed advice from legend Stephen Hendry about staying focused.
The triumphant Zhao cut through the Crucible bracket in Sheffield, having made an impressive comeback after being suspended for 20 months. In a dazzling display, he outclassed seasoned pro Mark Williams in the final to become Asia's first snooker world champion and walked away with a hefty prize.
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Despite a firm commitment from his agent Victoria Shi to keep him down-to-earth amidst his newfound wealth, the 28-year-old has openly expressed an interest in splurging on luxury watches.
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While contemplating how to spend his substantial winnings, Zhao wouldn't be the only snooker talent with lavish tastes; following his 2023 win, Luca Brecel famously splurged on high-value cars, attracting comments from Hendry, which might serve as a cautionary tale for Zhao.
In conversation with the South China Morning Post, Zhao divulged that while he hadn't planned out his expenses, his fondness for timepieces was undeniable: "But I do like watches, different brands, too."
Zhao's agent, Shi, previously stated her intentions to let the talented cueist relish his success but insisted on maintaining a level-headed approach as he adjusts to his status as a world champion, reports the Express.
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"Let him enjoy [the prize money]," she conceded. "But if he enjoys it too much, I will tell him off. He is the first Asian world champion, and that is huge. But it is my job to make sure he stays grounded."
The episode of one particular Crucible champion who perhaps lost touch with reality serves as a cautionary tale. Belgian snooker star Brecel, after his triumph in Sheffield over Mark Selby two years ago, suffered a significant dip in form that attracted criticism from snooker legend Hendry, who last year expressed concern for Brecel's career focus.
Zhao was rewarded with £500k for his win
(Image: Getty Images )
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"The way he [Brecel] won the World Championship, the undoubted talent that he's got, I realise he wasn't a prolific winner, but he's hardly won a match since he won the World Championship," Hendry commented on the situation.
"What I'm questioning is what he's doing with his career. Does he still want to play snooker? Is he putting the work in? You can say it's a tough sport, but you've got to give the game a bit of respect. Is snooker a priority in his life?"
As for Brecel, he has opened up about how his form nosedived post-victory, confessing that the championship win sapped his competitive drive, a far cry from how Zhao might wish to manage his success.
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"I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire," recounted Brecel regarding his extravagant spending, which saw him squander his winnings on luxury cars and vacations. "It was a conscious decision to buy the cars and maybe feel that bit of pressure again, to recreate the feeling I had of just starting my career.
"I didn't go lazy, but I just didn't feel that hunger or motivation going from tournament to tournament. I don't like that feeling, and I had to change something.
"I wasn't feeling any pressure anymore," admitted the Belgian. "I was just playing, and if I lost, I was happy to be home. It's not a good mindset to have."

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