Elliot Slessor steps onto the stage at the Players Championship knowing exactly what awaits him: a rematch with the formidable Zhao Xintong, the reigning world champion. But this isn’t a daunting unknown; it’s a challenge born from a previous, epic encounter – a qualifying battle for the World Championship that revealed Zhao’s extraordinary talent.
Last year, in Sheffield, Slessor pushed Zhao to the absolute limit, a grueling contest that showcased both players at their breathtaking best. The match unfolded as a relentless exchange of high-scoring breaks, a “beak-building frenzy” packed with swift, one-visit clearances. It ended 10-8 to Zhao, but Slessor’s performance was anything but a defeat.
Slessor rattled off a string of impressive breaks – 126, 114, 113, and more – while Zhao responded with equally stunning runs of 134, 127, and 103. It was a display of attacking snooker rarely seen, a testament to the skill of both competitors. Slessor, however, harbored a quiet doubt about Zhao’s consistency over the longer format.
“I didn’t know if he had two sessions like that in him at the time,” Slessor confessed. He’d observed Zhao’s occasional lapses in concentration, moments of sloppiness that hinted at vulnerability. At 6-3 down, Slessor believed he had a window, a chance to capitalize. “I said to my grandad, ‘I fancy catching him tonight.’”
He fought back, playing well, but Zhao ultimately proved too strong, pulling away at the end. That moment, Slessor realized, was a defining one. It cemented his understanding of Zhao’s exceptional ability. “A phenomenal, phenomenal player,” he acknowledged, recognizing the sheer power and precision of his opponent.
Even then, before Zhao’s eventual triumph at the Crucible, Slessor recognized the potential for greatness. “If he played the way he did in those 18 frames against me, the level he was playing at, without a shadow of a doubt, he’d win the World Championship.” He’d never encountered a player who could turn seemingly impossible positions into scoring opportunities so consistently.
Zhao’s brilliance wasn’t just about the breaks; it was about his unique approach to the game. Slessor observed that Zhao thrived when presented with difficult shots, turning pressure into opportunity. “The worst place you can leave him is with no shot, where he has to take something on, because he’s such a good potter from everywhere.”
Adding to Zhao’s mystique is his unusual pace around the table. “It’s strange because he walks so slowly, but the frames disappear so quickly,” Slessor noted. “As soon as you’ve had a drink of water, wiped your hands and dried them, he’s on 60 and you’re ready to set them up again!”
The match felt strangely isolated, a high-octane contest unfolding while other games on different tables progressed at a much slower pace. Slessor felt a sense of frustration, believing he could have cruised through qualifying on another table, but he knew he was facing something special. “I was playing a very, very special player.”
Despite witnessing Zhao’s prowess firsthand, Slessor remains confident in his own abilities. “I fancy my chances against anybody if I play well and play my game,” he stated firmly. He understands the fickle nature of the sport, acknowledging that even the best can be vulnerable on an off day.
Slessor believes he possesses the talent to compete with the very best, but recognizes the need for consistent performance. He’s steadily climbing the rankings, reaching multiple semi-finals, and is now competing in the Players Championship, a testament to his progress. He knows a breakthrough victory is within reach.
“If I keep playing how I play in practice generally, if I perform on a day-to-day basis, I think I’m a top 16 player,” he asserted. He acknowledges a gap between his practice form and match performance, but believes a single win could unlock his full potential. “I think it’s just a win. I think if I win something, the transition would be, potentially, overnight.”
He’s not afraid of success, believing a first title wouldn’t be a fleeting moment. “I don’t feel like I’d be one and done and go missing. I’d be wanting more out of the game and I know I’ve got the game.” He’s committed to continuous improvement, striving for incremental gains with every practice session.
Slessor understands that opportunity favors the prepared. “All I can do is do the best on my part. I always practice consistently hard and well and try to gain a percent here and a percent there. So all you can do is keep trying to strive to be a better player. If the door opens, it’ll open.”
That door will open again on Wednesday evening in Telford, as Slessor prepares to face Zhao Xintong once more, ready to test his skills against the world champion and prove he’s ready to take the next step in his career.
