Zhao Xintong Claims World Snooker Title, Identified as Century's Prodigious Player in the Field
Zhao Xintong: From Scandal to Snooker World ChampionA rollercoaster ride of a career, marked by a match-fixing scandal and a remarkable return to the top
Born to Play Snooker
Born and raised in Xi'an, China, on April 3, 1997, Zhao Xintong grew up in a simple household. His parents worked in a hospital, and he was an only child. At eight, Zhao stumbled upon a snooker table in his neighborhood, igniting a passion that would change the course of his life.
With the help of persistent pleas and his newfound love for the game, Zhao convinced his parents to buy a snooker table and set it up at home. Soon, he was practicing for hours, dreaming of becoming a professional.
Early Days on the Green Felt
Zhao's journey began at the tender age of 15, marking his start in the amateur ranks. He proved his mettle instantly, defeating established players like Xiao Guodong, Ken Doherty, and Steve Davis. Zhao even reached the final of the World Amateur Championship in 2013, only to fall short against Zhuo Yuelong.
Fortune smiled upon him two years later when Pankaj Advani declined his tour card at the IBSF World Snooker Championship. Seizing the opportunity, Zhao stepped into the world of professional snooker.
Struggles and Triumphs
Zhao's early days on the Main Tour were tough. He struggled to make an impact, eventually losing his tour card after two years. A return to the Q School followed, but Zhao bounced back, reaching the semifinals of the China Championship in 2018.
He made it to the quarterfinals of the Welsh Open that year, and in 2019, he qualified for the World Championship for the first time. In the coming years, Zhao steadily climbed the WST rankings, reaching the last 16 in numerous tournaments.
His first ranking title came in 2021 with a victory at the UK Championship, moving him to ninth in the world rankings. Another notable victory came the following year, with the German Masters trophy in his hands.
The Match-Fixing Scandal
The brutal blow came in January 2023. Zhao was temporarily suspended due to a match-fixing investigation, which turned out to be the biggest match-fixing scandal in snooker history. Evidence showed that Liang Wenbo and Li Hang ran an illegal ring that manipulated results, sucking ten Chinese players into their web, including Zhao.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that while Zhao didn't manipulate results, he knew about the ring and placed bets on behalf of another player. His cooperation led to a 20-month ban and a return to the amateur ranks.
Return to Glory
Zhao returned to competitive snooker in September 2024, where he made waves on the Q Tour. He won three consecutive titles, including the Q Tour Event 3 in Stockholm and the Q Tour Event 4 in Manchester, making a maximum break in each.
These victories secured him a tour card for the 25/26 season, and most importantly, the chance to qualify for the 2025 Snooker World Championship. Against all odds, Zhao became China's first World Snooker Champion on Monday evening, marking a remarkable comeback.
The Road Ahead
Now ranked 11th in the world, Zhao is poised for an exciting future in the sport. Snooker fans can look forward to an exciting 2025/2026 season, with the promising young talent ready to make his mark.
While the match-fixing scandal temporarily derailed Zhao's career, he proved that with determination and hard work, even the toughest battles can be won. Today, Zhao Xintong stands as both a symbol of hope for Chinese snooker and an inspiring figure for aspiring players everywhere.
What sports does Zhao Xintong play? He plays snooker, specifically football was not mentioned in the context of Zhao's career.
What question did Zhao Xintong have to answer during his match-fixing investigation? He was questioned about his knowledge of an illegal match-fixing ring and his involvement in betting on behalf of another player during their investigation into the biggest match-fixing scandal in snooker history.
