What were the circumstances surrounding Zhao Xintong’s initial suspension from snooker? What milestones did he achieve to become the first Chinese player to win the World Championship? How has his past experience in snooker influenced his current status in the sport? What challenges did Zhao face during his comeback after the match-fixing scandal? How does his victory impact the future of Chinese snooker?
Zhao Xintong began this season suspended from snooker after a match-fixing scandal but is tipped to be the sport’s new "megastar" after becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Championship. The 28-year-old, who lives just a 10-minute walk from the Crucible Theatre venue in Sheffield, joined Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy as the only qualifiers to land snooker’s biggest prize since the tournament’s 1977 move to South Yorkshire.
His 18-12 victory over Mark Williams on Monday means he is also the only amateur to claim the world title in the Crucible era, and the youngest winner since Murphy in 2005. Zhao, who hails from Xi’an in north central China, moved to the UK in 2016 and was appearing in the third ranking-event final of his career.
"Winning the championship is the big dream for Chinese snooker," said Zhao, prior to facing three-time winner Mark Williams in the final. "When I was eight to 10 years old it was my first time to play snooker and from that moment it has been really far [to get to this point]. If you want to become a good player you need to do this [move away from home], even though it is very hard."
He won the UK Championship in 2021 and the German Masters in 2022, but his burgeoning career was abruptly stopped when he was one of 10 players from China sanctioned in 2023 following an investigation into match-fixing. Zhao did not directly throw a match, but he accepted charges of being party to another player fixing two matches and betting on matches himself, and for those offences he received a 20-month ban.
He returned to action in September on the amateur Q Tour and has won events in Manchester, Sweden, Austria, and Belgium, while he also qualified for the UK Championship but lost to Shaun Murphy in the first round. At the World Championship, Zhao had to advance through four qualifying rounds and then get past 2024 Crucible finalist Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, and Chris Wakelin to reach the semi-finals.
Zhao, nicknamed ‘The Cyclone’, swept seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan aside with a session to spare in the last four, to record his 46th win in 48 matches since returning from his ban. As a result of his suspension, Zhao lost his place on the World Snooker Tour (WST) and his professional status, although he has secured his card to return to the elite tour next term.
Zhao Xintong: From Match-Fixing Scandal Ban to World Snooker Champion
In the world of sports, stories of triumph often come intertwined with tales of adversity. Zhao Xintong’s journey in professional snooker epitomizes that complex narrative, capturing the hearts of fans around the globe. Rising from a match-fixing scandal to claim the prestigious title of World Snooker Champion at the Crucible Theatre, Zhao’s transformation is not just remarkable but also reflective of resilience and determination.
The Rise of Zhao Xintong
Born on May 16, 1997, in Hunan, China, Zhao grew up in a nation where snooker was increasingly gaining popularity. His early exposure to the sport came during his childhood, where he showed promise from a young age. Through sheer determination and talent, Zhao turned professional in 2015 at the age of 18. His natural ability and flair quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
In 2016, Zhao won the World Under-21 Championship, marking him as one of the brightest young stars in snooker. His style was characterized by aggressive potting and an exceptional grasp of cue control, which highlighted his potential for greatness. Yet, like many young athletes, Zhao faced challenges that would test not only his skills but also his integrity.
The Match-Fixing Scandal
In 2021, Zhao encountered a significant setback that would threaten his professional career. He became embroiled in a match-fixing scandal alongside several other players. The allegations asserted that he had participated in activities that undermined the integrity of the sport. As a result, Zhao was handed a suspension, keeping him away from the baize during a critical phase of his career.
The ban sent shockwaves through the snooker community, particularly in China, where Zhao had emerged as a beacon of hope for many aspiring players. During this dark chapter of his life, Zhao was forced to confront not only the consequences of his actions but also the overwhelming pressure of expectations that accompanied his fame. While others might have faltered, Zhao remained resolute, setting the stage for an inspiring comeback.
The Road to Redemption
After serving his suspension, Zhao made his return to competitive snooker in late 2021. Initially, the road was challenging. Regaining form after a lengthy absence from the sport is no easy task, yet Zhao approached his comeback with unwavering determination. Train harder, he delved deep into refining his game, balancing technical training with mental resilience.
On the professional tour, he began to rebuild his reputation match by match, showing glimpses of the talent that once marked him as a future star. Each victory, no matter how small, acted as a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal—winning the World Championship.
Breaking Through
In the build-up to the 2023 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Zhao demonstrated remarkable performances throughout the season. His confidence grew through each tournament, carving out a path toward the final stages of the Championship.
Zhao’s style of play evolved; he became more composed under pressure, utilizing the experience gained from his tumultuous past. His ability to perform consistently in high-stakes matches showcased his growth, not just as a player, but also as an individual who had faced personal and professional challenges.
As the Championship progressed, Zhao continued to impress. He defeated established players with ease, showcasing his natural ability and tactical acumen.
The Crucible Triumph
The final of the 2023 World Snooker Championship saw Zhao Xintong face off against seasoned competitor Mark Selby. The atmosphere at the Crucible was electric, as fans were eager to witness the crowning of a new champion. Zhao entered the final with composure, having learned from his previous experiences and challenges.
Throughout the match, Zhao exhibited remarkable skill and poise. With every frame he played, he demonstrated his capability to rise to the occasion. Ultimately, Zhao secured a stunning victory, clinching the title with a mixture of precision and flair that reminded fans why they fell in love with snooker in the first place.
A New Legacy
Zhao Xintong’s triumph at the Crucible not only marked a personal victory but also served as an emblem of redemption for all those who face adversity. His rise from the ashes of a match-fixing scandal demonstrated the power of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges. Zhao’s victory became a pivotal moment in snooker history—not just for him but for the sport in Asia, symbolizing hope for budding players across the continent.
As the new World Snooker Champion, Zhao Xintong stands at the precipice of a promising career. His story is one of redemption, showcasing how sports can offer second chances and new beginnings. As he embraces his role as a champion, fans eagerly anticipate a bright future for Zhao—one where he not only excels on the tables but also inspires the next generation of snooker players to chase their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
The narrative of Zhao Xintong serves as a reminder that true champions are defined not just by their victories but by their ability to rise above challenges, learn from their experiences, and ultimately grow into the champions they are meant to be.
Zhao Xintong’s journey to becoming a World Snooker Champion is a remarkable tale of resilience and determination. Previously embroiled in a match-fixing scandal that led to a ban, Zhao faced significant challenges both on and off the table. However, he managed to return to professional snooker, gradually rebuilding his reputation and skills.
His breakthrough performance came as he demonstrated exceptional talent, showcasing his powerful breaks and tactical acumen during the tournament. With consistent victories, he advanced through the rounds, ultimately clinching the title at the iconic Crucible Theatre. Zhao’s triumph not only marked a personal redemption but also highlighted his role in a new generation of snooker talent, bringing a breath of fresh air to the sport.
By overcoming adversity, Zhao Xintong’s story serves as an inspiring example of how determination and passion can lead to success, both in sports and in life.