IT'S WOW AS ZHAO DAZZLES

WORLD champion Zhao Xintong announced himself at this year’s UK Championship as he blasted his way into the last 16.

- BY SHANE MacDERMOTT

The Cyclone, 28, became the eighth seed to reach the second round as he blew away Long Zehuang 6-1.

Chinese star Zhao battered in breaks of 107, 72, 68, 59 and 51 in a brutal demolition of his compatriot.

The 2021 champion geared up for the tournament by parading the World Championship trophy at Manchester City's Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen last week.