Zhao Xintong’s Unbelievable Rise and the New Era of Chinese Snooker
So, let me walk you through this incredible story about Zhao Xintong — a name that has suddenly become larger than life, not just in China but across the entire snooker world. His journey over the last few years feels almost unreal, and even Zhao himself admits he’s still trying to understand everything that’s happened since becoming China’s first-ever world snooker champion.
Earlier this year, Zhao completed one of the most dramatic and unlikely runs the sport has ever seen. Starting all the way from the opening qualifying round, he kept winning, match after match, until he reached the Crucible final in Sheffield. And there, under immense pressure, he defeated Mark Williams 18–12 to lift the trophy that every snooker player dreams about. That single moment didn’t just change his life — it completely altered the landscape of snooker in China.
Now 28, Zhao says he’s still adjusting to what it means to be a world champion. He explained that life has become much busier, almost chaotic at times. People stop him for photos at airports, he barely finds time to practise, and the expectations back home have become enormous. Still, he’s trying to enjoy the process, especially after opening his UK Championship run with a confident 6–1 win over fellow Chinese player Long Zehuang.
Also Read:- Hawks and Phoenix Set for a High-Stakes NBL Showdown
- Damiano David’s Honest New Chapter Shines in Toronto
What makes Zhao’s story even more remarkable is how far he’s come from the lowest point of his career. After winning the UK Championship in 2021 and announcing himself as one of snooker’s brightest stars, he was caught up in a major corruption scandal involving several Chinese players. Although he never threw a match himself, he accepted charges of being involved in another player’s fixing and for betting violations. His two-and-a-half-year suspension was eventually reduced, but the damage to his momentum seemed enormous. Many wondered if he could ever return to the top.
But when he stepped back onto the big stage last year, something was different. He was focused, calm, and hungry. This year’s World Championship run included a stunning win over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-final, followed by that unforgettable performance in the final. It was a comeback story that didn’t just redeem him — it wrote him into snooker history.
His success is also having a huge effect on snooker in China. With twelve Chinese players in the UK Championship draw — a record number — the sport is booming again. Legends like Ding Junhui believe Zhao’s world title will inspire a new generation and possibly shift the balance of the sport globally in the next decade.
And there’s a touching human side to all of this too. Zhao shared how his family was so nervous during the final that they stopped watching entirely, choosing instead to take a long walk until the match was over. When he finally returned home, they gave him a hug — the first in twenty years, he said — and it meant the world to him.
Right now, Zhao is hoping to create more good memories at York Barbican, the arena where he first won a major title. He says he’s only getting started, and if his recent performances are anything to go by, he might just be right.
Read More:
0 Comments