Zhao Xintong dazzles with exhibition snooker in World Open win as World Championship preparations continue in style: Air shot, one-handed pot

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Zhao Xintong rose to sporting stardom in China after becoming the country's first-ever world champion at the Crucible last year. The signs have been positive for the 28-year-old in the lead up to his title defence, as he looks to swerve the infamous 'Crucible curse'. He advanced to the World Open third round with victory over Long Zehuang on Tuesday, showcasing some dazzling showmanship.

Watch: Zhao dazzles fans with INCREDIBLE one-handed pot in winning break

Video credit: TNT Sports

Reigning world champion Zhao Xintong put on a show for his home crowd with two delightful pieces of showmanship which sent the World Open faithful into raptures.

Zhao secured his spot in the third round of the Yushan event with a 5-4 victory over compatriot Long Zehuang on Tuesday.

The pair largely traded blow for blow as they went down to the decider, and Zhao knocked in his second century of the match to ultimately avoid an upset, and continue his strong preparations for his World Championship defence at the Crucible next month.

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There were thrills and spills aplenty at the Yushan Sport Centre, not only due to the back-and-forth nature of the scoring, but also as a result of some exhibition-like snooker requiring cue control of the highest quality.

And Zhao did not wait long to have his home crowd purring.

At 81-21 in the opening frame, the 28-year-old showed exemplary poise as he continued his eventual 95 break with an immaculate air shot.

Air Xintong! Zhao pulls off stunning pot while holding rest above table

Video credit: TNT Sports

With the cue ball awkwardly sitting just above blue on its spot, Zhao not only had to contend with utilising the rest, but also doing so without touching the table, otherwise he was at risk of fouling by clattering into the blue.

While the rest and his cue were visibly trembling as he teed up the yellow to its corner, he executed a sublime pot, sending the cue ball back just behind the blue at an angle to knock home the green.

The frame was already won, but this display of showmanship was a clear indication of the confidence brimming inside Zhao as he sets his sights on avoiding the 'Crucible curse' - the renowned quirk in which no first-time world champion has ever successfully defended their title.

He was chalked back and fell 2-1 behind as Zehuang hit breaks of 81 and 92, but levelled with a 92 break of his own.

Zehuang edged the subsequent, and more attritional frame, but Zhao's response of 93 and 139 had him on the cusp of victory. Zehuang, a worthy challenger, forced the decider, but had no response to the world champion's stunning 129 break, which finished with an elegant flourish.

In shades of Mark Williams at the Welsh Open last month, Zhao put on a show for his home fans when 116-1 ahead, with the result beyond doubt.

On the final pink, he executed a stunning one-handed pot into the far corner, leaving the crowd roaring in delight.

He proceeded to complete the clearance, slamming home the black and basking in the adulation of those in the arena.

Zhao's run in the World Open serves as another positive step in his preparation for the Crucible next month.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

He won two consecutive titles in February - the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship, taking his tally of ranking titles to five.

Speaking to TNT Sports at the Welsh Open last month, Zhao spoke of his excitement ahead of defending his world title.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "But no pressure. Enjoy every frame."

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