Crowned as World Snooker Champion and Century's Prodigious Player: Zhao Xintong Triumphs
Title: Zhao Xintong Triumphs as Snooker World Champion 2025: A Second Triple Crown and a Redemption Story
The prodigal son of snooker is back with a bang, securing a World Championship win and redefining the game
Born to Rule
Zhao Xintong, the 28-year-old sensation hailing from Xi'an, China, was born on April 3, 1997. His parents, both hospital workers, raised him as an only child amidst modest means. Little is known about the man behind the cue, yet his story is as captivating as the sport he plays.
A decade ago, a snooker table in a neighborhood playground unveiled the world a future champion. Hours upon hours, Zhao honed his skills, and his passion for the sport grew insatiable. A snooker table soon found its home in the Xintong household, bringing with it endless nights of neglect to his distraught parents.
By the tender age of 15, Zhao embarked on his amateur career, unleashing havoc on opponents like Xiao Guodong, Ken Doherty, and Steve Davis. He reached the final of the World Amateur Championship in 2013, only to miss the trophy by a hair's breadth. Pankaj Advani, the champion that year, forfeited his tour card, allowing Zhao a two-year permit to join the Main Tour.
From Rising Star to Disgrace
Zhao's professional career commenced with tumultuous beginnings. Consistently falling short and losing his tour card after 2 years, he was compelled to re-evaluate his game and fight for his place once more. In 2018, Zhao reemerged with fierce determination, managing to reach the semifinals of the China Championship and the quarterfinals of the Welsh Open. A year later, he qualified for the World Snooker Championship for the first time but suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of Mark Selby.
Up until 2021, Zhao's ranking steadily climbed, and he finally claimed his first ranking title at the UK Championship with a victory against Luca Brecel. This propelled him to the 9th spot on the WST world rankings. In the same year, he also triumphed at the German Masters, becoming a force to be reckoned with.
However, redemption came to a screeching halt when Zhao was suspended in 2023 for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, considered the largest in snooker history. Implicated in a multi-year criminal investigation, he evaded a lifetime ban due to his cooperation with authorities. Despite his acquittal, he was suspended for an extended period, during which he was barred from competing in China.
From Fall from Grace to Resurgence
True champions never withdraw, and Zhao is no exception. Upon his return to the court in 2024 following the 20-month-long ban, he set the Q Tour ablaze, winning three consecutive events and clinching multiple maximum breaks. This formidable run paved his way for a tour card for the 2025/26 season and a spot in the World Snooker Championship qualifiers.
In an epic tale of redemption, Zhao mesmerized fans worldwide by outperforming his opponents throughout the championship, ultimately capping off his journey with a well-earned World Championship title.
A New Era Awaits
With the 2025 World Championship victory, Zhao has opened a new chapter in his storied career. Ceasing his 20-month exile, he returns to the global stage as a tenacious and resilient champion, intent on claiming the World Number One spot and achieving a Grand Slam in the near future.
Snooker enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling 2025/2026 season in the esteemed company of the new champion, who has become a beacon of inspiration for millions of aspiring players around the globe. The shadow of scandal-ridden past notwithstanding, the future shines bright for Zhao Xintong. And, as they say, the best is yet to come.
What about Zhao Xintong's performance in sports, particularly football?Despite his suspension, Zhao Xintong continues to inspire millions with his unwavering resilience in the world of snooker, leaving Room for speculation about his potential involvement in football in the future.
