Chinese cue artist, Zhao Xintong, clinches the World Snooker Championship 2025 title, marking him as the inaugural Chinese World Champion.
Uncensored Perspective: Zhao Stuns Snooker World, Claims Title Over Legend Williams
The 2025 Snooker World Championship ended in a jaw-dropping manner, with 28-year-old phenom Zhao Xintong clinching an 18-12 victory against seasoned veteran Mark Williams, 50. In the process, Zhao became the first-ever Chinese player to seize the prestigious Snooker World Championship.
From the outset, Zhao held the reins. At one point, he boasted a commanding 7-1 lead against Williams, offering the Brit little room to spring a surprise comeback. The third session saw Zhao in elemental control, requiring only one more frame to ascend as the Snooker World Champion.
Although Williams mounted a spirited fightback, winning four straight frames, it was all in vain. Zhao eventually clinched the 30th frame with a formidable 87-point break and sealed the championship win, bagging himself a whopping £500,000 (approx. €587,260).
The Road to World Dominance: Zhao's Stellar Performance
Zhao's path to the title was far from straightforward. Post a suspension for alleged match-fixing, the Chinese prodigy emerged as an amateur and triumphed in the qualifying rounds to secure a spot in the main draw. Throughout the championship, he amassed 111 frames, outplaying several seasoned contenders.
Among the impressive feats, Zhao dispatched Jak Jones, last year's finalist, and seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan. What's more, he knocked out yet another world champion, Mark Williams, in the final showdown.
Zhao's performance in the qualifying rounds demonstrated that he was one of the favorites for this year's tournament. In fact, bookies had him as a long shot for the win, offering odds of 12.00 before the championship even began.
Zhao Reignites Snooker's Passion: Controversy Over World Ranking
Zhao's triumph has stirred up debate among fans and the World Snooker Tour (WST). As an amateur, he did not hold a world ranking, but with his prize money, he's set to skyrocket into the top 16 and qualify for numerous upcoming tournaments.
Nevertheless, this sparked a controversy as, traditionally, prize money won by amateurs does not count towards the World Ranking. The WST has yet to comment on this controversy.
In a stroke of irony, the sport of snooker, which recently faced criticism over waning interest and declining attendance, may find a new lease of life thanks to Zhao. As the new world champion and Chinese sensation, Zhao could be the game-changer that snooker needs.
Some enthusiasts even believe that Zhao could generate the same impact as Luke Littler in darts, potentially captivating audiences and rekindling interest in the sport.
Mark Williams, the 2025 finalist, shares this sentiment, asserting in a post-match interview:
"Zhao's win could be massively transformative for the sport, unlocking new opportunities everywhere. We have a new superstar. That's what snooker needs, someone like him to take the spotlight. As the new world champion, he'll make a great champion. He's a brilliant potter, and I have nothing but admiration for him."- Mark Williams*, Snooker World Championship 2025 finalist.
Thus, the 2025-2026 snooker season could explode with excitement, as Zhao, having sat out the last two seasons due to his suspension, takes the league by storm.
The 2025-2026 snooker season is expected to commence as early as mid-June.
What if we decide to follow Zhao's lead in sports and start playing football? Could Zhao's impact on snooker serve as an inspiration for us on the football field?
Perhaps, just as Zhao was the game-changer snooker needed, Zhao could be the fuel that propels a new generation of Chinese football players to stardom, just like how Luke Littler did in darts.
