Large Viewership in China as Zhao Xintong Secures Historic World Championship Victory, Exceeding UK's Total Population
In an electrifying display at the Crucible Theatre, snooker sensation Zhao Xintong, a 28-year-old rising star, clinched the World Snooker Championship with a score of 18-12 against three-time champion Mark Williams. This groundbreaking victory marks the first time an Asian player and an amateur has won the prestigious tournament in just their third appearance.
With his triumph, Zhao is set to skyrocket to 11th in the world rankings next season, captivating global snooker enthusiasts. Among the worldwide audience, an astounding 150 million viewers in China tuned in to witness this iconic moment in sport's history.
Beyond the Crucible
While roughly 10% of the Chinese population watched the final session, this figure pales in comparison to the United Kingdom's 68.4 million inhabitants. This means more than double our populace reveled in the historic victory nearly 5,000 miles away in China.
Zhao's journey to the title was anything but easy, as he overcame Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, and snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan on his path to the final. Armed with a 17-8 lead heading into the final session, Zhao was just one frame away from glory.
Unforgettable Clash
Despite Williams mounting a valiant comeback by winning four consecutive frames, it wasn't enough to sway the outcome in his favor. With a shocked Zhao claiming the title and the hefty £500,000 prize money, Williams couldn't help but admire his skill.
"Unfortunately, I was never in the final from day one," Williams admitted. "He was too far ahead for a comeback to be viable."
Williams went on to express his admiration for the newcomer's performance, stating, "There's a new superstar of the game."
Past Trials and Current Triumphs
Previously relegated to amateur status following a 20-match suspension due to a match-fixing scandal, Zhao's resilience and determination have earned him the admiration of many. With his impressive World Championship victory, he has undoubtedly secured his place as a snooker titan to watch.
In the sports world, the 28-year-old snooker player Zhao Xintong, often referred to as a sensation, demonstrated his talent by winning the prestigious World Snooker Championship, marking the first time an Asian player and an amateur claimed victory. During this historic tournament, astonishingly, 150 million viewers in China tuned in to watch.
Despite facing adversity, such as a match-fixing scandal that led to a suspension, Zhao's resilience and skill have led him to captivate the global snooker community and secure his place as a potential future legend.
Even when battling against seasoned professionals like snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan, Zhao persevered, demonstrating his miraculous talent in the process. This captivating journey culminated in a victory that left many in awe, including O'Sullivan himself, who acknowledged Zhao as a new superstar of the game.
