Chinese player Zhao Xintong triumphs in the World Snooker Championship 2025, securing the title of the first Chinese World Champion in the history of the game.
2025's Snooker Rockstar: Zhao Dominates the World Championship
Say hello to the new king of snooker! Zhao Xintong swept the 2025 Snooker World Championship, leaving the grand stage with an impressive 18:12 victory over the legendary Mark Williams. This isn't just any victory, it's the first-ever Snooker World Championship title for a Chinese player.
Zhao started the final like a hurricane, leading 7:1 over Williams at one point. The Brit tried to mount a comeback with a 4-frame streak, but Zhao wasn't having it. He sealed the deal with an 87-point break in the 30th frame, securing his spot as the World Champion.
Who is Zhao Xintong?
Armed with an impressive skill set, Zhao Xintong isn't a new face in the snooker world. Despite a 20-month suspension due to a match-fixing scandal, this 28-year-old superstar didn't let that slow him down. He played his way through the competition, earning a spot in the World Championship qualifiers and going on to defeat heavyweights like Jak Jones and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Zhao's journey to the coveted title wasn't a walk in the park. He earned his spot by winning an impressive 111 frames! That's quite a feat for a qualifier, wouldn't you agree?
Prize Money and Ranking
As the champion, Zhao will be pocketing a hefty sum of 500,000 GBP (nearly 587,000 EUR). But there's more to it than just the money. His victory has also earned him a hefty boost in the world rankings, shooting him straight into the top 16.
Controversy Over Ranking
There's a bit of a problem, though. The World Snooker Tour (WST) is yet to clarify whether prize money won by amateurs, like Zhao, count towards the World Ranking. If it doesn't, he might not get the full credit he deserves for his victory.
The New Superstar
Some might say that the snooker world was in a rut, with declining interest and diminished attendance. But it seems like Zhao Xintong is about to change all that. The 28-year-old's skills have already left spectators breathless, earning him the title of the new snooker superstar.
Well, not everyone is convinced. Mark Williams, the runner-up in this year's World Championship, seems to share this view. In an interview, he said, "Zhao could be huge for the sport. We need someone like him to take snooker to the next level."
With the new season set to start in early June, we can't wait to see how Zhao will shake things up on the World Snooker Tour. Bring it on, Zhao!
What sports does Zhao Xintong excel in, particularly focusing on his recent triumph in the Snooker World Championship?Sports-analysis reveals that Zhao Xintong, the new 2025 Snooker World Champion, showcases exceptional skills, not just in snooker but potentially impacting the growth and popularity of the entire sports arena.
