Zhao Takes the Crown
Chinese Cue Master Zhao Xintong Reigns Supreme, Claiming First-Ever World Snooker Title for China in 2025.
The Snooker World Championship final concluded late last night, with Zhao Xintong, a jaw-dropping 28 years old, snatching the title from the legendary Mark Williams, a seasoned 50, with a stunning 18:12 victory. In doing so, Zhao became the very first Chinese Snooker World Champion.
From the outset, it was clear that Zhao was in the driving seat. He sprinted to a 7:1 lead in the first session, giving Mark Williams only a slim chance of recovery. Following a spellbinding third session [source], Zhao only required one more frame to secure the illustrious trophy. Mark Williams made a stunning comeback, bagging four consecutive frames, but it wasn't enough; Zhao clinched the 30th frame with a powerful break of 87 points, cementing his place as the World Champion. His well-deserved prize includes a massive £500,000 (€587,260).
Impressive Records and Recovery
Zhao's path to glory was far from smooth. A 20-month suspension for his role in a match-fixing scandal had left him starting the Championship as an amateur, battling his way through the entire qualification process.
In total, he won a staggering 111 frames to become the world champion. His journey included four matches in the qualification and five in the main round. Of particular note, he defeated Jak Jones, the Snooker World Championship finalist of the last year, and the seven-time Snooker World Champion, Ronnie O'Sullivan, in the semi-finals.
Translation: It was a CINDERELLA story — Zhao Xintong had all the right answers.
Given his incredible journey, it came as no surprise that bookmakers gave Zhao odds of 12.00 for his victory prior to the tournament.
At 28, he is the youngest World Champion since 2005, when Shaun Murphy claimed his first title at mere 23 years old. Zhao is also the first Asian World Champion [source] and only one of five non-British champions.
Controversy Over His Future Ranking
Zhao's victory has created a stir within the snooker world. As an amateur, Zhao had no world ranking before his suspension. With his massive £500,000 prize, he is expected to leap into the top 16, eligible for a multitude of tournaments in the upcoming season. However, questions have been raised about this circumstance, as prize money won by amateurs is usually not counted towards the world ranking. Since Zhao was still an amateur during the World Championship, the World Snooker Tour Association has not yet commented on this controversy.
Just weeks ago, some voices suggested that snooker was in crisis, with talk of waning interest and decreasing attendance. Snooker legend Stephen Hendry, 56, even called for a figure akin to Luke Littler, who brought a revolution to darts, to save snooker.
Could Zhao Xintong be the man to revive snooker, mirroring Littler's impact in darts? With his mesmerizing performances at the Snooker World Championship, Zhao left many spectators impressed and even left speechless at his skill level. Many fans and even players believe that Zhao is well on his way to becoming the sport's new superstar.
Mark Williams, runner-up in this year's Snooker World Championship, shares this sentiment [source]: "For the sport, Zhao's win could be monumental. This could open up new opportunities for everyone involved. We have a figurehead now. That's what snooker needs. He is undoubtedly the best potter I've ever seen, and I have nothing but admiration for him."
With the new season starting as early as June, snooker enthusiasts will have little time to wait and see what impact Zhao's win and his return to the professional scene might bring to the sport's exciting 2025/2026 season.
- Zhao Xintong, the new Snooker World Champion, may have a significant impact on the sport, much like Luke Littler in darts.
- With Germany's online casinos, sports enthusiasts might place bets on Zhao's performance in next season's tournaments, given his impressive victory at the Snooker World Championship.
- In 2025, Zhao Xintong, now a professional after his suspension, will likely participant in various top-tier snooker tournaments following his £500,000 winnings, which may put him among the top 16 rankings.
- The 2025/2026 snooker season might witness a rejuvenated sport if Zhao Xintong maintains his extraordinary level of play, much like his spellbinding performance at the recent Snooker World Championship left many spectators speechless and impressed.
