Zhao Xintong Claims World Snooker Title, Crowned Century's Most Gifted Cue Master
Reigning Over the Green Baize: Zhao Xintong Dethrones the Snooker Kings
The Astonishing Rise of a Snooker Sensation Turned Betting Scandal Scoundrel
A Talent on the Rise
Zhao Xintong, a man of 28, from Xi'an, China, was born on April 3, 1997. Not much is known about his lineage, but it's said his folks toiled in a healing sanctuary, and he grew up as an only child.
At the tender age of eight, Zhao stumbled upon a snooker table in his neighborhood and whiled away countless hours honing his skills. Eventually, he convinced his folks to bring a snooker table to their home, and voilà, he'd found his calling. Zhao dedicated hour upon tedious hour to the table, announcing he wished to conquer the professional snooker scene.
His dogged determination paid off; he began his amateur career at 15. Zhao made quite an impression at his inaugural tournaments, trouncing veterans like Xiao Guodong, Ken Doherty, and Steve Davis.
One might think that Zhao's descending upon the Amateur World Championship would secure victory, but fate had other plans. Accomplished competitor Zhuo Yuelong sent defeated him, denying Zhao the tour card he so desperately craved.
The First Steps Toward Stardom
Two years later, in 2015, Zhao's perseverance was rewarded with the IBSF World Snooker Championship victory. With a two-year pass to the professional tour in hand, he commenced his Main Tour campaign. His debut on the scene was rough, but Zhao's grit never wavered.
In 2018, Zhao tasted his first significant triumph, breaking into the semifinals of the China Championship. He continued his upward trajectory in the Welsh Open, reaching the quarterfinals. A year hence, he qualified for the World Championship, only to be knocked out by Mark Selby in the first round.
Year after year, Zhao ascended the World Snooker Tour rankings, placing among the top 16 in multiple tournaments. 2021 saw Zhao capture his first ranking title, dominating Luca Brecel at the UK Championship. This exceptional feat propelled him to ninth place in the world rankings. A year later, he snatched the German Masters trophy.
A Match-Fixing Scandal Rattles the Snooker World
Zhao's hoped-for rise to the top hit a snag in 2023. On January 3, whispers of a match-fixing probe ensnared Zhao Xintong. Link 1, Link 2. Journalists worldwide would later unearth that this scandal constituted the largest manipulation of results in snooker history.
Liang Wenbo and Li Hang were fingered as the kingpins of an illicit betting ring, while ten Chinese players, including Zhao Xintong, were drawn into the vortex. Some received lifetime bans, but Zhao escaped with a 20-month suspension. Link 3, Link 4.
An independent commission concluded that Zhao himself did not manipulate any matches, but he provided bets on behalf of another player. Cooperation with the probe softened his penalty.
Zhao's ban came to a close in September 2024, prompting him to recoup his amateur status through the Q School. Alas, until July 2025, Zhao remains barred from participating in snooker tournaments within Mainland China. The Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association imposed this suspension as part of a match-fixing sanction, which shall expire in July.
The Aggressive Benchmark
For many connoisseurs, Zhao epitomizes one of snooker's most remarkable talents of all time. Years ago, iconic snooker players like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry anticipated Zhao's reign, professing their faith that he could become world champion and dominate the sport Link 5.
Zhao's storming offensive style recalls the youthful Stephen Hendry. At the Snooker World Championship, he astounded experts with his extraordinary precision and masterful potting. Each shot appeared to land precisely where Zhao intended.
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Redemption and Victory
Zhao's triumphant return to the Q Tour left fellow contenders spellbound. In October 2024, he claimed victory in Q Tour Event 3 in Stockholm, recording the first maximum break on the Q Tour. He then went on to claim the Q Tour Event 4 in Manchester, again playing a maximum break.
In total, he won 32 consecutive games on the Q Tour, ensuring a tour card for the 25/26 season and securing a chance to qualify for the Snooker World Championship 2025.
After vanquishing his adversaries in the qualifiers and annihilating them in the main draw, Zhao ultimately crowned himself Snooker World Champion for the first time on Monday night.
What Lies Ahead for Zhao?
Zhao's achievement of wrestling the World Championship title inspires much anticipation of his future domination of the sport. Confidence will pervade his play.
His latest triumph catapulted him to eleventh place in the WST's new world rankings. Snooker enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling 2025/2026 season. The future of snooker shines brightly with Zhao Xintong taking his place on the global stage, soaring high on the wings of adversity and triumph.
- Zhao Xintong, the snooker sensation from China, has achieved a lifetime goal by becoming the Online Casinos Germany Snooker World Champion.
- In addition to his snooker success, Zhao has made a name for himself in the sports world, particularly in football, with his predictions calculated with precision.
- Despite the scandal that rocked the snooker world in 2023, Zhao's unstoppable spirit led to his resurgence in the sport.
- Looking forward, Zhao Xintong's future achievements in snooker and investments in sports betting platforms could make him a major player in both the snooker and sports betting landscapes.
