With the 2026 World Snooker Championship set to begin on April 18, 1985 champion Dennis Taylor has officially tipped defending title holder Zhao Xintong to achieve what no player has done in nearly five decades: successfully defend their maiden world championship. Taylor identifies the Chinese star as the primary favorite to break the infamous ‘Crucible Curse,’ a historical trend where no first-time winner has repeated as champion since the tournament moved to the Sheffield venue in 1977.
Zhao Xintong and the Crucible Curse
Taylor, a veteran of the sport who has been involved at the Crucible for nearly 50 years as both player and commentator, expressed high confidence in Zhao Xintong’s ability to handle the immense pressure of the 17-day event. According to Betway, Taylor stated, “I’m going to go for Zhao Xintong beating the Crucible Curse. That would be a big story. He’d be the first player ever to do that, and I think he can because he’s capable of doing that.” Taylor noted that he admires Zhao’s fluid, aggressive playing style, comparing his natural flow to that of legendary figures in the game.
The Contenders: O’Sullivan and Trump
While Zhao remains Taylor’s primary pick, the snooker icon emphasized that the 2026 field is exceptionally competitive. Taylor highlighted Ronnie O’Sullivan as the second-most likely contender, pointing to his recent record-breaking 153 break as evidence that he remains a dominant force. Taylor believes that despite O’Sullivan’s limited tournament play, the longer format of the World Championship plays into his hands, keeping his quest for an eighth world title alive. Judd Trump rounds out Taylor’s top three picks, with the legend noting that given Trump’s status as world number one, another world title is long overdue.
The Future of the Crucible Theatre
Beyond the immediate competition, Taylor weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the future of the Crucible Theatre. While some critics argue that the venue’s limited capacity and age are outdated, Taylor remains a staunch supporter of the tradition. He emphasized the unique atmosphere of the single-table setup during the final stages of the event, arguing that it is essential to the identity of the sport. Taylor maintained that while the venue may require modernization, moving the tournament away from Sheffield would be a mistake for the history and prestige of the game.
Taylor’s analysis underscores a significant shift in the competitive landscape, where emerging talent like Zhao Xintong is now consistently challenging established icons like O’Sullivan and Trump, forcing a re-evaluation of historical precedents such as the ‘Crucible Curse’ in the modern era of professional snooker.