Historic Triumph: Zhao Xintong Claims World Snooker Championship Title
In a remarkable turn of events, Chinese snooker player Zhao Xintong made history at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, claiming the prestigious title after a grueling 18-12 triumph over three-time champion Mark Williams at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. This momentous victory, brimming with significance for Chinese and Asian snooker, signifies a major shift in the global snooker landscape.
A Remarkable Comeback
Zhao's path to the championship was nothing short of extraordinary. The 25-year-old, returning to the sport following a 20-month suspension due to a match-fixing investigation, pushed through four qualifying rounds, ultimately securing his place in the main draw. His journey reached a pinnacle with a riveting semi-final victory over seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and a decisive win against Williams in the final.
Overawhelmed and elated, Zhao voiced his feelings, stating, "I can't believe what I've done. It's very exciting."
Impact on Chinese Snooker
Zhao's groundbreaking win has sparked a nationwide celebration in China, a country that has recently witnessed an increased interest in snooker. With more than 300,000 snooker clubs and an estimated 150 million viewers, his triumph is expected to further boost the sport's popularity. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) views this victory as a crucial stepping stone, potentially paving the way for snooker's inclusion in future Olympic Games.
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson commented, "Zhao's triumph cements snooker's case for inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics."
Williams' Sportsmanship
Despite the loss, 50-year-old Mark Williams showed commendable sportsmanship. He praised Zhao's performance, calling him a "new superstar of the game," and even shared a light-hearted moment with Zhao in a post-match photo, delighting fans worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Zhao's victory not only secures him a £500,000 prize but also elevates him to 11th in the world rankings. His manager anticipates a surge in endorsements, projecting that he could surpass Ronnie O'Sullivan's career earnings, making him the richest player in snooker history.
As Zhao embarks on his quest for future titles, his journey from suspension to world champion serves as an inspiration, ushering in a new era for snooker both in China and on a global scale.
The remarkable victory of Zhao Xintong, hailing from China, not only signifies a major shift in the global snooker landscape but also sparks an escalation of snooker's popularity in Asia, due to the surge of interest in the sport in China.
Mark Williams, despite falling short in the finals, demonstrated admirable sportsmanship by recognizing Zhao's outstanding performance and potential to become a new superstar of football, a term used metaphorically to express Zhao's accomplishments in the realm of snooker.
