Zhao Xintong's Unexpected Exit from Shanghai Masters Sparks 'Ding Junhui Curse' Debate
In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 Snooker Shanghai Masters, Zhao Xintong missed out on the final after suffering a 5-10 defeat against Kyren Wilson in the semi-finals. This match, a first-time clash between the two world champions, garnered significant attention, with Zhao initially leading 5-4 in the first stage, only to experience a dip in performance in the second stage, where Wilson secured six consecutive frames to win.
2 August 2025
The outcome sparked widespread discussion on social media, particularly around the so-called "Ding Junhui law" — a superstition suggesting that a player who defeats Ding Junhui is likely to lose in the following round. Zhao had previously triumphed over Ding with a 6-1 victory in the quarter-finals, leading many to view his subsequent loss as further evidence of this pattern, contributing to the event's trending status.
Public reaction to Zhao Xintong's elimination, as observed on Weibo, reflected a mix of disappointment and analysis. Comments flooded in about his performance dip in the second stage and the unexpected turnaround after his strong start. The conversation was also heavily focused on the "Ding Junhui curse," adding a superstitious element to the discussions. Acknowledgments of Wilson's formidable performance were plentiful, while some fans expressed continued support for Zhao, encouraging him to learn from the experience and strive for future success.
Zhao's defeat in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, especially after leading in the first stage, signifies that he needs to enhance his stability in major tournaments, particularly his ability to withstand pressure when ahead. Before the tournament, he had set his sights on competing for Grand Slams and reaching the world No. 1 spot, aiming to refine his playing style for more stability. This loss reminds him of the room for improvement, both technically and mentally.
From an industry perspective, the snooker competition is becoming increasingly fierce, with relentless showdowns between emerging and established players. This match also seemingly validated the "curse" of defeating Ding Junhui, a joke reflecting the unpredictability and brutality of competition at the highest level.
Regarding the broader social and political implications, the focus has largely remained on the sporting event itself, with no data currently suggesting direct, widespread societal or political impact. The attention is more on the athletic competition aspect, such as the popularity of snooker in China and the future development of Zhao Xintong as part of the younger generation of players.
The timeline of Zhao's journey in the tournament highlights his initial strong performance, including a 6-2 victory over Weiklin and a dominating 6-1 win against Ding Junhui. Pre-tournament, Zhao had his eyes set on Grand Slam titles and the world No. 1 ranking, aiming for a more stable playing style. However, his inability to maintain his form in the second stage against Wilson underscored the areas he needs to improve to achieve these lofty goals.
In the end, Kyren Wilson advanced to the final, where he is set to face British player Ali Carter for the championship title of this year's Shanghai Masters.
