Triumph from the Ashes: Zhao Xintong Conquers Snooker's Crown
Snooker Player Zhao Xintong Wins World Championship After 20-Month Suspension
Two years ago, young snooker sensation Zhao Xintong was suspended from the sport for a staggering 20 months due to his involvement in a major match-fixing scandal. On Monday night, he triumphantly claimed the World Snooker Championship, etching his name as the first Asian and the first amateur to do so.
Zhao demonstrated an nerve-wracked performance against three-time champion Mark Williams at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. Despite the tense battle, Zhao assiduously built a commanding 17-8 lead, eventually sealing the victory with a hard-fought 18-12.
"I've got no words to describe this moment," Zhao confessed after the match. "I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player, really putting me under pressure. He's the best. This victory is very special for me, for Chinese snooker, for everyone."
Grace from the Granite-handed: Williams' Magnanimous Words
Zhao's rise to the pinnacle was nothing short of a redemption arc. With a protracted suspension, he was demoted to amateur status, forcing him to conquer four rounds of preliminary qualifiers before reaching the Crucible. Of the 128 aspirants, eighteen made it to the main stage, joining the elite eighteen ranked players in the world snooker circuit.
Despite Zhao's tumultuous past, Mark Williams, the third-ranked player at a spry 50 years old, became the oldest player to reach the World Snooker Championship finals. Despite any ill feelings, the seasoned veteran seemed to bear no grudge against his youthful challenger.
"It's been a fantastic tournament for me," Williams declared. "The support I've received the past fortnight has been extraordinary. There's a new superstar in the game."
But don't think age has softened his acumen. "But what a breaker Zhao is," Williams added. "I'm glad I'll be too old when he's dominating the game. I've got nothing but admiration for what he's done, coming through the qualifiers. He hasn't played for two years, and he's just bashed everybody up. There's a new superstar in the game."
The Legacy of a Mistake
Investigations conducted by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in early 2023 revealed what's considered the worst match-fixing scandal in snooker history. Ten Chinese players were indicted, with Zhao receiving the lightest sentence of 20 months.
Though he did not fix any matches himself, Zhao admitted to possessing knowledge about match-fixing and placing bets. He sincerely apologized for his transgressions, expressing remorse for his actions and vowing to regain his spot in the sport with a renewed, clean image.
In spite of his controversial legacy, the snooker community can't deny Zhao's undeniable skills and perseverance, proven yet again through his unprecedented comeback victory.
Zhao, despite his past transgressions in snooker involving match-fixing scandals, showed his mettle in the sports world by claiming the World Snooker Championship as an amateur, becoming the first Asian to do so. Mark Williams, a seasoned veteran and the third-ranked player, acknowledged Zhao's impressive performance, stating, "But what a breaker Zhao is. I'm glad I’ll be too old when he's dominating the game." The snooker community, while aware of Zhao's controversial past, cannot overlook his undeniable skills and unwavering determination in overcoming challenges.
