UK Championship final 2021 preview - Luca Brecel v Zhao Xintong: When is it? How can I watch? Who is favourite?

Updated 05/12/2021 at 08:35 GMT

Luca Brecel: “I was crying a little bit at the end when I potted frame ball. I am confident, I have won a lot of games this season, I am relaxed and I have a different mindset." Zhao Xintong: "I am just happy, very happy. It is my first time in a final. It is an important match for me. It is very close to being champion and I hope to get it."

'I have no idea' - O'Sullivan shocked by Brecel's ranking

We have reached the final of the UK Championship, and a new name will be on the trophy as Luca Brecel takes on Zhao Xintong.

Big names such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump and John Higgins fell during the course of the fortnight, and there are two rising stars on show.

Brecel booked his place in the final with a 6-4 win over Kyren Wilson, and wrapped up the victory with a clearance described as ‘filthy.’

UK Championship

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20/11/2022 at 16:52

His opponent will be Zhao, who crushed Barry Hawkins 6-1 in the semi-finals on Saturday evening.

Match details

Venue: Barbican Centre, York
Start time: 13:00 GMT and 19:00 GMT
Frames: Best of 19
Odds: Brecel 10/11; Zhao 10/11
Prize money: Winner - £200,000

How can I watch the UK Championship final?

Stream the UK Championship final and much more top snooker action live and on demand on discovery+.

‘Would have beaten anyone!’ – White lavishes ‘unorthodox’ Brecel with praise after Wilson win

Brecel route to the final

Round 1: 6-2, vs Xu Si
Round 2: 6-5, vs Tom Ford
Round 3: 6-0, vs Stephen Maguire
Round 4: 6-1, vs Anthony Hamilton
Quarter-finals: 6-2, vs Anthony McGill
Semi-finals: 6-4, vs Kyren Wilson

Zhao route to final

Round 1: 6-4, vs Yuan Sijun
Round 2: 6-5, vs Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
Round 3: 6-5, vs John Higgins
Round 4: 6-4, vs Peter Lines
Quarter-finals: 6-2, vs Jack Lisowski
Semi-finals: 6-1, vs Barry Hawkins

‘That is so difficult!’ - Zhao wows again in UK Championship semi-final

Brecel career highlights

2015 Welsh Open - semi-finals
2016 German Masters - final
2017 China Championship - winner
2017 Champion of Champions - semi-finals
2017 World Open - semi-finals
2019 China Open - semi-finals
2020 Championship League - winner

Zhao career highlights

2018 China Championship - semi-finals
2019 Welsh Open - quarter finals
2020 World Grand Prix - quarter finals
2020 German Masters - quarter finals

What has been said...

Luca Brecel: “I was crying a little bit at the end when I potted frame ball. I am confident, I have won a lot of games this season, I am relaxed and I have a different mindset.

“It is amazing and now it would be fantastic if I can win it."

Zhao Xintong: "I am just happy, very happy. It is my first time in a final. It is an important match for me. It is very close to being champion and I hope to get it.

"Luca is a great player, he played perfect and I hope we can play a beautiful game."

UK Championship