Zhao Xintong left television pundits Alan McManus and Matthew Stevens lost for words after thrashing John Higgins 10-1 in the semi-finals of the Tour Championship in Manchester. The world champion reeled off nine consecutive frames during a commanding performance to set up Sunday's final against world number one Judd Trump.
The 29-year-old executed a remarkable long pot early in the sixth frame, with a red ball covering only half the pocket. McManus described it as the finest shot he had ever witnessed. 'He only has half a pocket, but he barely hits the cue ball; it is mesmerising. You run out of things to say,' McManus said.
Former UK champion Stevens concurred, saying: 'He only had half a pocket to aim at. It is just like a laser, it is unbelievable. He is like a machine; it is fantastic to watch.' Stevens added: 'He is like watching a computer game; he literally does not miss anything easy.'
Zhao was delighted with his display, saying: 'I played well, and I am very happy to reach the final. My cueing was very good, I tried not to think too much – I just enjoyed the table and concentrated on the balls.' He added: 'To play Judd in a final for the first time will be a big moment for me. It will be very tough.'
Zhao has triumphed in all three of his finals this year, including defeating Higgins in the most recent one back in February. He claimed the Players Championship in Telford a fortnight after securing the World Grand Prix title in Hong Kong. The final will be the non-ranking Riyadh Season Championship in Saudi Arabia, where he overcame Neil Robertson in November.
