Zhao Xintong dominates Luca Brecel to claim UK Championship crown in York

Stars including Jimmy White and Ronnie O’Sullivan have queued up to anoint Zhao Xintong as snooker's next big thing

Zhao Xintong lifts the trophy after winning the final of the UK Championship (Richard Sellers/PA)

Zhao Xintong justified the hype that has been heaped upon his shoulders by completing a 10-5 win over Luca Brecel to claim the UK Championship crown in York.

Stars including Jimmy White and Ronnie O’Sullivan have queued up to anoint the Chinese 24-year-old as the next big thing, and the manner of his win over Brecel suggests many more major titles will flow his way.