Xing Biao Zhu: Chatting with a Rising Chinese Poker Pro

04/06/2018

Xing Biao Zhu has burst onto the Asian poker scene in some style this year, picking up a staggering 18 cashes in the first two months of 2018. He is quickly becoming an early contender for the PokerStars Asia Player of the Year title despite only being a part of the live circuit since 2016. His first year in the game was unremarkable, but 2017 gave the world a taste of what Zhu was capable of, as he racked up 43 cashes across the continent.

It is worth noting that Zhu is not simply min-cashing but has picked up multiple final tables and five-figure scores along the way. His latest cash was an 8th place finish at APPT Macau for HKD$16,300 (US$2,078). Zhu was kind enough to talk to Somuchpoker and answer a few questions about his rise.

SMP: When and why did you start playing poker? When did you decide to make a living from it?

Zhu: I was into e-sports at first and my friends who were also playing video games introduced me to no-limit Holdem.

I don’t think my poker level was already good enough to make a living from poker, I just simply fell in love with the game.

Poker is a very complex game from a strategic standpoint.

SMP: You are focusing your energy on live tournaments. Why did you choose this format?

Zhu: Because I love it. I have a great passion for it. I really enjoy the feeling of competing with other people’s minds.

SMP: You are currently leading the world rankings in terms of cashes (In the Money Finishes). How do you feel about that?

Zhu: Finishing in the money doesn’t mean a lot for me, as it only says I play a lot, or that I’m lucky! Lots of players play better than me, they just compete at a higher level. It’s harder to play as many tournaments at that level, so they simply don’t play as many as I did.

SMP: What are your short-term and long-term goals as a player?

Zhu: In the short-term, I think I’m going to play more small tournaments. Hopefully I can learn and gain more experience until I feel comfortable enough to move up in stakes.

SMP: Do you have any mentors or Idols?

Zhu: I have a lot of respects for the following Chinese pros: