Title: Zhao Xintong Crowned World Snooker Champion, Hailed as Century's Phenom in Billiards
The Rise of a Snooker Giant
Born and bred in Xi'an, China, on April 3, 1997, Zhao Xintong swapped childhood play for precise potting at just eight years old. His unrelenting passion for the sport led him to become a household name with a career that knows no bounds.
Just a stone's throw away from home, Zhao stumbled upon a forgotten snooker table in his neighborhood, and it wasn't long before he became a neighborhood legend. With the support of his parents - both hospital workers - he brought the beauty of snooker into their humble abode and spent endless hours refining his craft.
Zhao's dedication and raw talent didn't go unnoticed, and by the tender age of 15, he embarked on his amateur snooker journey. Early battles with seasoned pros like Xiao Guodong, Ken Doherty, and Steve Davis proved he was more than prepared for the big leagues.
Breaking Through the Clutter
A rocky start on the Main Tour left Zhao reeling, prompting him to lose his hard-earned tour card after just two years. But such setbacks are mere speed bumps for a player like Zhao. A breakthrough came in 2018 when he claimed his first major victory - the semifinals of the China Championship, and quarterfinals of the Welsh Open - paving the way for a meteoric rise through the WST world rankings.
Taking the World by Storm
Zhao's strategic playing style, reminiscent of the great Stephen Hendry, set him apart from the pack. His outstanding precision and nimble potting left experts and spectators alike in awe. His 2021 UK Championship win against Luca Brecel secured him a ninth-place ranking in the world, while his German Masters victory in 2022 propelled him even higher.
Zhao Xintong: A Name Tainted
It wasn't all smooth sailing for Zhao, however. In January 2023, he found himself embroiled in a massive match-fixing scandal. One of the biggest in snooker history, this investigation brought the largest Chinese talent's career to a grinding halt. Zhao was ultimately banned for 20 months but managed to cooperate with authorities, keeping the suspension relatively light. Unfortunately, he was prohibited from participating in Chinese tournaments until July 2025.
The Road to Redemption
Despite the setbacks, Zhao grit his teeth and returned to the Q Tour to fight for his place among the best. By winning three consecutive games in the Q Tour Events 3 and 4 in Stockholm and Manchester, respectively, he earned a tour card for the 25/26 season and a coveted spot in the 2025 Snooker World Championship.
In an incredible testament to his resilience, Zhao claimed the title of world champion on Monday evening, defeating Mark Williams with a striking 18-12 score in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
The Dawn of a New Era
Zhao's meteoric rise and captivating victory yielded more than just the first-time world championship title for a Chinese player. It signaled a new era for Chinese snooker, boosting the sport's presence and popularity in Asia and the global arena.
Snooker enthusiasts are already buzzing about the exciting 2025/2026 season, as this triumphant champion unleashes his full potential and confirms his status as a force to be reckoned with. Despite the trials and tribulations of his past, Zhao Xintong's historic victory marks a significant milestone in the annals of snooker history.
"What about other sports, too? Does Zhao Xintong have any interest in sports other than snooker, such as football?"
"After his 2025 Snooker World Championship win, one might wonder if Zhao Xintong will follow in the footsteps of successful athletes who excel in multiple sports and venture into football as well."
