Lightning Strikes Twice: Zhao Xintong's Miraculous World Snooker Championship
Zhao Xintong clinches World Snooker Championship title, hailed as century's snooker prodigy
Welcome to the riveting tale of Zhao Xintong, the snooker prodigy from China who has stormed his way to the top. Born on April 3, 1997, in Xi'an, Zhao discovered a passion for snooker at just eight years old, spending countless hours perfecting his shots at a neighboring table. His unquenchable thirst for the sport led him to become a professional player and stake his claim as one of the greatest talents the game has ever seen.
Though his journey wasn't always smooth sailing, Zhao's resilience and unwavering dedication have carried him through trials and tribulations. In 2023, a match-fixing scandal shook the snooker community, involving ten Chinese players, including Zhao. Despite being temporarily suspended, the investigation found that Zhao himself did not manipulate any matches. Nevertheless, he served a 20-month ban and was barred from participating in Chinese tournaments until July 2025.
Determined to bounce back, Zhao returned to the competitive scene in 2024, making a splash on the Q Tour with commanding wins in Stockholm and Manchester. He went on to win 32 consecutive games, earning a tour card for the 2025/26 season and qualifying for the World Snooker Championship. His dominance over his opponents led him to the ultimate prize – becoming the first-time Snooker World Champion, capping off an incredible comeback story.
Zhao's playing style is aggressive and reminiscent of snooker legends such as Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry. With a penchant for extraordinary accuracy and strong potting, Zhao is a force to be reckoned with. Champions not only by skill but by spirit, Zhao continues to redefine the snooker landscape, both in China and across the globe.
As the 2025/26 season approaches, fans can look forward to witnessing Zhao's impressive play and dominance in major tournaments. The world rankings recently placed Zhao 11th, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead. The Cyclone is ready to take on the sport, and the future is brighter than ever.
What sports did Zhao Xintong excel in? He dominated the snooker world and was named the first-time Snooker World Champion.
