China's Zhao Xintong secures snooker world title victory, triumphing over Mark Williams
Zhao Xintong, hailing from Xi'an, China, has etched his name in snooker history as the first player from the Middle Kingdom to clinch the world championship. In a nail-biting final against Mark Williams, Zhao emerged victorious with a score of 18-12[1][4].
Known as 'The Cyclone' for his aggressive long-potting and flair, Zhao rose to prominence, winning the UK Championship in 2021 and the 2022 German Masters[3]. A fan favorite, Zhao ranked ninth globally before his suspension. However, in 2023, he was suspended for 20 months due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, being cleared of fixing his own games[2][3]. Despite this setback, he made a comeback as an amateur in late 2024, qualifying for the 2025 World Championship[2][3].
The final began with a significant lead for Zhao, standing 17-8, and only needing one more frame to seal the deal. Despite Williams' gallant effort, including a break of 101 in the opening frames, it wasn't enough. Zhao clinched the historic win, pocketing £500,000 and the prestige of becoming the first Chinese and Asian champion at the Crucible[1].
Fifty-year-old Welshman Williams paid tribute to his opponent, acknowledging that a new superstar had taken the stage[1]. Despite his nervousness during the final frames, Zhao graciously thanked his family, coaches, and fans[1]. After a well-deserved celebration, he was likely to "have a good drink tonight," he said[1].
With a record 10 Chinese players making it to the Crucible this year, Zhao's victory could propel snooker to new heights in China. In 2016, when Ding Junhui made it to the final, over 200 million people in China were reported to have watched the event[4]. Zhao's journey symbolizes both the pressures faced by Chinese players and snooker's growing global reach[3].
[1] BBC News[2] The Guardian[3] The Telegraph[4] The Mirror
Zhao Xintong, the Chinese snooker player dubbed 'The Cyclone', may have probably enabled more people in China to take interest in sports like snooker and hockey due to his historic world championship win. In a nod to other Chinese players, his victory could help sports like snooker establish themselves better and widen their fan base in China. After a monumental triumph, Zhao might enjoy a celebratory drink before planning his return to competitive snooker.
