Snooker icon Stephen Hendry has delivered a characteristically frank and direct message to reigning world champion Zhao Xintong regarding the long-debated 'Crucible curse' ahead of the 2026 World Snooker Championship. The seven-time world champion dismissed the superstition as meaningless nonsense during a candid conversation with the Chinese star.
The Historic Crucible Curse
The so-called Crucible curse refers to the remarkable statistic that no first-time winner has successfully defended their title since the tournament moved to the Sheffield venue in 1977. Zhao Xintong made history last year by becoming the first Chinese player to claim the world championship, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in a thrilling final. Now he faces the challenge of breaking this 49-year-old hex when the tournament commences this Saturday.
Hendry's Personal Experience
Stephen Hendry understands the pressure of defending a world title better than most. After claiming his first championship in 1990, he fell victim to the curse the following year, losing to Steve James in the quarter-finals. The most recent casualty was Kyren Wilson, who suffered a shock first-round exit to Lei Peifan in the 2025 tournament while attempting to defend his maiden title.
Despite this historical precedent, Hendry was unequivocal in his assessment during Zhao's appearance on his Cue Tips show, where the pair played a frame together. "It's nonsense," Hendry stated bluntly. "It's [just] something we can talk about on TV."
Zhao's Confident Response
Zhao acknowledged that Chinese media and fans frequently discuss the curse but remained adamant it wouldn't affect his performance. "I play myself, not the opponent," he declared, demonstrating the mental fortitude that has characterized his rise to the top of the sport.
The defending champion arrives at the Crucible in exceptional form, having secured an impressive trio of major titles during the second half of the season: the World Grand Prix, Players Championship, and Tour Championship. This remarkable run establishes him as a formidable contender despite the historical weight of the curse.
Other Notable First-Round Matchups
The 2026 tournament features several compelling opening matches beyond Zhao's defense against qualifier Liam Highfield. Ronnie O'Sullivan, who suffered a heavy defeat to Zhao in last year's semi-finals, begins his quest for a record-breaking eighth world title against Crucible newcomer He Guoqiang on Tuesday. O'Sullivan currently shares the modern-era record of seven Crucible titles with Hendry.
Other intriguing matchups include 19-year-old qualifier Stan Moody facing a challenging debut against 2024 champion Kyren Wilson, while Liam Pullen meets former quarter-finalist Chris Wakelin. Four-time winner John Higgins clashes with two-time runner-up Ali Carter in a high-caliber opening match, with a potential second-round encounter against O'Sullivan at stake.
Mark Selby opens against surprise 2024 finalist Jak Jones, while Judd Trump faces a difficult first match against 2019 semi-finalist Gary Wilson. History will also be made as Antoni Kowalski becomes the first Polish player to reach the Crucible, earning his tour card in the process, and begins his campaign against three-time champion Mark Williams.
As the snooker world turns its attention to Sheffield, all eyes will be on whether Zhao Xintong can make history by becoming the first player to shatter the Crucible curse, or whether Hendry's dismissal of the superstition will prove prophetic.
