Zhao Xintong‘s Redemption: Chinese Star Claims World Snooker Title After Match-Fixing Ban
SHEFFIELD, England — Zhao Xintong has completed a remarkable comeback, winning the World Snooker Championship adn becoming the first Chinese player to achieve the title. his victory marks a possibly transformative moment for snooker, particularly in Asia, following a 20-month suspension for involvement in a match-fixing scandal.
From Suspension to Crucible Glory
Just 227 days prior to his Crucible triumph, Zhao was competing on the amateur tour in Sofia, Bulgaria. His return to the sport followed a ban for being party to another player fixing matches and for betting on matches himself. Despite not being directly involved in throwing a match, Zhao accepted the charges and expressed remorse.
A Nation Watches
Snooker boasts immense popularity in China, with over 300,000 snooker halls across the country and an estimated 150 million viewers tuning in for major matches. Ding Junhui’s UK Championship win in 2005 ignited hopes for Chinese dominance in the sport, but a World Championship title remained elusive until Zhao’s victory.
Second Chance Triumph
The Crucible crowd’s warm reception suggests a willingness to give zhao a second chance. His victory is viewed as a significant moment for Chinese snooker, inspiring a new generation of players. Despite the controversy, Zhao’s talent and remorse have seemingly paved the way for his redemption and a potentially shining future in the sport.
Zhao Xintong’s Stunning Crucible Debut: A New Era for Chinese snooker?
Sheffield, England – Zhao Xintong, returning from a suspension, has made a sensational debut at the World Snooker Championship, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 and signaling a potential shift in the landscape of professional snooker. His dominant performance has sparked discussions about the future of the sport and the rise of Chinese players.
From Q Tour dominance to Crucible Triumph
Following his return to competitive snooker, Zhao was placed in the Q Tour for amateurs. He quickly proved his caliber, securing 42 wins in his first 44 matches, including five qualifying matches for the World Championship, and making two maximum breaks, dominating the competition.
Williams Admits Zhao Could Dominate Snooker
Even in defeat,veteran Mark Williams acknowledged the meaning of Zhao’s win,stating this moment could be bigger than any victory for himself. He predicted a potentially dominant future for Zhao in the sport. “Everyone’s got to get behind him and watch him – he could dominate,” Williams said. “It’s bound to open some doors.It can only be good for our sport.”
Zhao’s Dream Crucible Victory
Zhao expressed immense joy and disbelief after the victory. “I’m very happy I’ve done this for them. It’s unbelievable. this is like a dream. When I shook hands with Mark [Williams] I nearly cried.my first target was just to get through the qualifiers. In the future, many Chinese players can win this.”
Opening Doors for Chinese Snooker
Zhao’s victory holds particular importance given his prior UK Championship win in 2021. That win establishes him as one of the prominent figures currently in the sport.
His performance is anticipated to inspire a new generation of Chinese snooker players and elevate the sport’s popularity in China.
Zhao Xintong Crowned Snooker Champion,Signaling a Potential New Era
Zhao Xintong emphatically defeated Mark Williams to claim the snooker championship,potentially ushering in a new era for the sport. The victory, punctuated by an 87 break in the final frame, earned Zhao the title and a £500,000 winner’s check.
Dominant Performance Leads to victory
Zhao’s performance throughout the final was marked by effortless swagger, even against the experienced Williams, who at 50, was the oldest finalist in Crucible history. Zhao decisively won both afternoon sessions, bringing him within a single frame of the championship.
Williams’ Resilient Comeback Attempt
Despite facing a significant deficit, Williams mounted a comeback, winning four consecutive frames to narrow the score from 17-8 to 17-12.However,Zhao seized the first opportunity presented to him,capitalizing on his unflappable demeanor throughout the tournament.
A New Superstar Emerges
With the decisive break in the 30th frame, Zhao secured the victory, raising a Chinese flag in festivity. Williams acknowledged Zhao’s dominance, stating, “He’s bashed me up, bashed Ronnie [O’Sullivan] up and bashed everyone up. There’s a new superstar of the game.”
Triumph Felt Thousands of Miles Away
Zhao’s victory resonated far beyond the Crucible Theater. Living just a 10-minute walk from the venue, the impact of his win will be moast profoundly felt thousands of miles away, potentially inspiring a new generation of snooker players.
Considering the details of the match-fixing scandal,what steps should snooker organizations take to prevent similar incidents and maintain the integrity of the sport?
Zhao Xintong: A Champion’s Comeback
Zhao Xintong has etched his name in snooker history,overcoming adversity to become the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship. This remarkable victory signals a potential turning point for the sport,sparking interest and excitement both in China and globally.
Q&A: Decoding Zhao Xintong’s Triumph
What was Zhao Xintong’s path to the championship?
Zhao’s journey was far from straightforward. After a 20-month ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, he returned to the sport. He dominated in the Q Tour and then made a stunning debut at the World snooker Championship, ultimately defeating Mark Williams to claim the title. [[1](https://hongkongfp.com/2025/05/04/snooker-star-zhao-xintong-from-ban-to-cusp-of-chinese-sporting-history/)]
What sparked the match-fixing controversy?
Zhao was suspended for his involvement in the match-fixing scandal, which also involved betting on matches. While he wasn’t directly accused of throwing a match, he was found to have been a party to another player fixing matches and betting on matches himself. He accepted the charges and expressed remorse.
How significant is this win for Chinese snooker?
This victory is monumental for Chinese snooker. With an estimated 150 million viewers tuning in for major matches in China, Zhao’s win is expected to inspire a new generation of players and elevate the sport’s popularity in the country. Ding Junhui’s UK Championship win in 2005 ignited initial hopes, but a World Championship title had remained elusive until Zhao’s victory.
What was Mark Williams’ reaction to the loss?
Despite the loss,Mark Williams acknowledged the significance of Zhao’s win,predicting a dominant future for the young player. Williams stated,”He’s bashed me up,bashed Ronnie O’Sullivan up and bashed everyone up. There’s a new superstar of the game.”
what was the prize money for winning the championship?
Zhao Xintong received a £500,000 winner’s check for his victory.
Zhao Xintong’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of redemption. His journey from suspension to champion serves as an inspiration.
