Chinese Snooker Player Zhao Xintong Claims First World Championship Title, Defeating Mark Williams
Snooker's New Sensation: Zhao Xintong's Historic Victory
In an astounding display of talent, Zhao Xintong, the fiery 28-year-old Chinese snooker player, has made history as the first player from China to claiming the coveted World Championship title. He defeated Welsh veteran Mark Williams 18-12 in a thrilling final.
Having come through qualifying, Zhao is only the third winner to do so since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977. Entering the final session with a commanding 17-8 lead, Zhao needed just one more frame to secure the title. Three-time world champion Williams provided a glimmer of hope with a spirited comeback, winning the opening four frames of the session, including a impressive 101 break. However, it wasn’t enough to deter 'The Cyclone'. Zhao clinched the historic win, leaving fans in awe.
With the victory, Zhao pocketed a substantial £500,000 prize and the distinction of being the first Chinese and Asian champion at the Crucible. Williams paid tribute to his opponent, acknowledging, "There's a new superstar of the game, and he's over there." Despite his comfortable lead, Zhao admitted he was "so nervous" ahead of the final frames, making his win feel even more surreal. Overwhelmed with emotion, he thanked his family, coaches, and announced plans to celebrate with a well-deserved drink.
The victory could propel snooker to new heights in Zhao's native China. Previous Chinese success stories have generated enormous interest, with more than 200 million people estimated to have watched Ding Junhui's final appearance in 2016 on television. Zhao's win could very well trigger a new wave of enthusiasm for the sport.
Zhao's career had a major setback in 2023 when he was embroiled in a match-fixing scandal, resulting in a 20-month ban and loss of his professional status. However, he is set to make a comeback next season. Zhao also managed to trump his hero, Ronnie O'Sullivan, in the semi-final, with "The Rocket" posting a heartwarming tribute to their history together on social media.
This victory, after overcoming personal obstacles, marks a pivotal moment in Zhao's career and cements his place as one of snooker's brightest stars.
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Background Information:It seems there's some confusion in the provided article regarding the timeline of Zhao Xintong's career and his World Snooker Championship win. Zhao Xintong did not win the World Snooker Championship in 2021. The following is a summary of his career before and after the World Championship win, which actually occurred in 2025:
- Early Career and Breakthrough: Zhao Xintong began gaining recognition for his snooker skills, particularly with his flamboyant style and strong long potting abilities.
- UK Championship Win: In 2021, he made a significant breakthrough by winning the UK Championship, which marked his arrival as a major talent in the sport[2].
- German Masters Title: He continued his success by winning the German Masters in 2022, adding to his growing reputation[2].
- Match-Fixing Scandal: However, his career was marred by involvement in a match-fixing scandal in early 2023, which led to his suspension and loss of his tour card[1][2].
- Ban and Return: Following a 20-month ban due to the match-fixing scandal, Zhao Xintong returned to professional snooker. During this time, he was considered an amateur player due to his lost tour card[1][2].
- World Snooker Championship Win: In 2025, Zhao Xintong made history by becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship, defeating Mark Williams in the final with a score of 18-12[1][2]. This victory marked a significant recovery from the scandal and a highlight of his career.
Zhao Xintong, the Chinese superstar, read about enabling cookies on our Instagram account (cookies may be used for content display) after clinching the World Snooker Championship in 2025. His win, after overcoming personal obstacles and a match-fixing scandal, marked a pivotal moment in his career and cements his place as one of snooker's brightest stars. Their victory also fueled speculation that snooker could experience a surge in popularity in his native China, much like the phenomenon triggered by Ding Junhui's appearances in 2016. Despite his return to professional snooker following a 20-month ban due to the match-fixing scandal, he managed to trump other notable players, such as Ronnie O'Sullivan, in major tournaments, leaving a lasting impression in the sports world.
