Chinese cue wizard Zhao Xintong clinches the World Snooker Championship 2025 title, marking him as the inaugural Chinese World Champion.
Zhao Xintong Crowned 2025 Snooker World Champion
In a historic victory, 28-year-old Zhao Xintong emerged triumphant over veteran Mark Williams in the 2025 Snooker World Championship final, marking the first time a Chinese player has claimed the title.
The final, held on the last night, saw Zhao dominate from the outset, establishing a lead of 7-1 and leaving Williams struggling to bridge the gap. Although Williams managed a comeback, winning four consecutive frames when the score was 17-8, he ultimately fell to Zhao, who clinched the title with an 87-point break in the final frame.
This win not only marks Zhao's first World Championship title but also signifies a memorable comeback following a 20-month ban due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Starting the World Championship as an amateur, Zhao managed to win 111 frames en route to glory, defeating players such as Jak Jones, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and Mark Williams himself.
Zhao's victory has sparked controversy over his ranking in the World Ranking, as he was unranked due to his amateur status during the tournament. Although the WST has not issued a comment on the matter, Zhao's victory and the subsequent prize money he received will likely see him jump straight into the top 16, securing numerous spots in next season's tournaments.
Questions have been raised about the legitimacy of Zhao's ranking status and his re-entry into the professional ranks. However, the young Chinese player's impressive performance has left many confident that he will make a significant impact in the sport, drawing comparisons to darts sensation Luke Littler.
Mark Williams, the finalist from this year's championship, summarized Zhao's potential impact, stating, "Zhao's win could be huge for the sport, opening up new possibilities everywhere. We have a new superstar. That's what snooker needs, someone like him who can do it. He'll be a great world champion. He's probably the best potter I've ever seen. I have nothing but admiration for him."
With the new season set to begin as early as June, fans are eager to see how Zhao will disrupt the tournaments and revitalize the sport of snooker.
What sports were up for grabs in the World Championship final of 2025? - Snooker
In the final analysis, Mark Williams praised Zhao Xintong's football-like skills on the snooker table, likening him to darts sensation Luke Littler.
