Crowned World Snooker Champion: Zhao Xintong's Remarkable Century of Skill
Stunning Zhao Xintong Wins 2025 Snooker World ChampionshipA resilient comeback storyThe newest member of the snooker hall of fameUnveiling the path of the snooker prodigy
A Rising Talent Born to Conquer
Zhao Xintong, 28, was born on April 3, 1997, in the bustling city of Xi'an, China. Born to humble beginnings, his parents worked in the medical field, and he was an only child.
At the tender age of eight, Zhao's life took an unexpected turn when he chanced upon a snooker table in his neighborhood. The game sparked an unquenchable passion within him. Going against convention, he requested his parents to purchase a snooker table for their home, and he spent countless hours perfecting his technique.
His persistent practice paid off: at the age of 15, he commenced his amateur career, lighting up tournaments with wins against big names like Xiao Guodong, Ken Doherty, and Steve Davis.
Acknowledging his potential, Zhao reached the final of the World Amateur Championship in 2013 but was defeated by Zhuo Yuelong. His dreams of a tour card were shattered. However, he finally achieved this goal two years later, triumphing at the IBSF World Snooker Championship.
Climbing the Professional Ranks
Zhao's early successes on the amateur circuit were followed by a rocky start on the Main Tour. Participating in numerous ranking events, he struggled to make a mark. The heartbreak continued when he lost his tour card after just two years.
His luck turned around in 2018, as he reached the semifinals of the China Championship. In the following years, Zhao steadily boosted his WST world rankings, making it to the last 16 in several tournaments.
He experienced his first major breakthrough in 2021, taking home the UK Championship, defeating Luca Brecel 10-5. This triumph pushed him to number 9 in the world rankings. In the subsequent year, he seized the German Masters title.
A Temporary Setback
In 2023, Zhao's promising career hit a snag. Enmeshed in the biggest match-fixing scandal in snooker history, Zhao was implicated, along with other players[3][5]. Although he was temporarily suspended, investigations revealed that Zhao did not manipulate any matches. However, he was found to have placed bets on behalf of another player.
Returning to the sport after a 20-month ban, Zhao had to start anew. He successfully navigated the Q School and fought his way back to the professional circuit. His victories on the Q Tour earned him a tour card for the 2025/26 season and qualified him for the Snooker World Championship 2025.
Destined for Greatness
Following his victory at the World Championship, where he prevailed against Mark Williams 18-12, Zhao etched his name in the annals of snooker history[3][5]. Despite the obstacles he faced, his unwavering determination and exceptional talent caught the eyes of legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry, who believed he could dominate the sport[3][5].
As a result of his groundbreaking win, Zhao entered the world rankings at number 11[3][5]. The coming season promises to be an exhilarating ride for snooker enthusiasts, eager to witness Zhao's continued ascent and the unfolding chapters of his storied career.
What about sports has Zhao Xintong taken an interest in, after discovering a snooker table in his neighborhood as a child?
Could football ever be a possibility for Zhao Xintong to conquer, similar to his success in snooker, given his passion for sports and extraordinary talents?
