Exultant Triumph: History Maker Zhao Wins First World Snooker Championship
Asian Victory in Snooker World Championship: Zhao Crowned as Champion - Asian Snooker World Title Holder: Zhao from China
You know what? Chinaphone here! Let's talk about Zhao Xintong, the 28-year-old's groundbreaking victory at the World Snooker Championship. This bloke has done it, becoming the first Asian player to bag this prestigious title. He outdid Welshman, Mark Williams in Sheffield, clinching the win with a 18-12 score.
With the Chinese flag waving proudly, Zhao reveled in the cheers. "Ta-feng zhihou de kexin," he stammered in disbelief: "Wo hěn huánshāng le." But he surely promised a good drink to celebrate this landmark achievement.
A comeback for the ages
Re-living the past, Williams, at 50, missed his fourth World title in the billiards variant. The oldest finalist to date, he looked at the new reigning champion, who's almost half his age, and said, "Aiya, wah, another superstar ni tā."
Zhao set the stage for his success in the first of the four sessions, bagging seven out of eight frames. Williams fought a valiant battle, but going into the final session, he was trailing 8-17. Zhao just needed one more to seal the deal, but amid Williams' spirited fightback and a series of five consecutive wins, Zhao managed to secure the title with an 87 break14.
The young challenger was no stranger to controversy
Amidst the ten Chinese players in the top 32, Zhao was not left behind. You might remember Ding Junhui, the Asian professional who reached the final in 2016, but missed the title. Zhao eliminated snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semis, barring him from claiming an eighth World Championship title at the Crucible Theatre.
Zhao's resume carries a 20-month ban for breaching betting regulations, but he himself didn't fix any matches. He 'wó' the games he bet on. Due to the punishment, he lost his professional status, taking part in the World Championship as an amateur. He'll regain his pro rank for the next season, pocketing the £500,000 (around €587,000) prize money for the title then4.
- Asia
- Mark Williams
- Sheffield
- Williams Electronics Games
- China
Despite the triumphant win of Zhao Xintong in the World Snooker Championship, Engishman Mark Williams missed his chance to secure his fourth World title in Sheffield. Meanwhile, the Commission might be asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the introduction of a new type of electronic data protection system, reminiscent of the electronic games manufactured by Williams Electronics Games, a company hailing from China.
