Title: The Remarkable Rise and Redemption of Zhao Xintong: From Scandal to Snooker World Champion
A Tale of Talent, Triumph, and Tragedy
By Miriam Prellwitz, Edited by Angela Burke
Zhao Xintong Triumphs as World Snooker Champion; Acclaimed as Century's Most Gifted Cue Master
Published on: 07.05.2025. Last Updated on: 29.05.2025
- Zhao Xintong Enshrined as Snooker World Champion 2025
- A Centennial Talent with Boundless Potential
- The Match-Fixing Scandal that Shook the Snooker Community in 2023
- A Glimpse into the Career of the New Champion
Humble Beginnings
Born on April 3, 1997, in Xi'an, China, Zhao Xintong, 28, grew up as an only child with parents who worked in a hospital. Little is known about his family life, but stories suggest that he discovered a snooker table in his neighborhood, fostering an unquenchable passion for the sport.
At the tender age of eight, Zhao's parents bought him a snooker table and his hours of dedicated practice eventually paid off. With dreams of professional stardom, the young prodigy began his amateur career at age 15.
Soaring High
Zhao's career took flight with ear-splitting victories against seasoned players such as Xiao Guodong, Ken Doherty, and Steve Davis. In 2013, he reached the World Amateur Championship final, only to fall short against Zhuo Yuelong. However, he received his fabled tour card two years later, thanks to a lucky break in the IBSF World Snooker Championship.
Since joining the Main Tour, Zhao had a bumpy ride, but eventually cracked the top 16 after reaching the semifinals of the China Championship in 2018 and the quarterfinals of the Welsh Open the following year. A triumphant victory at the UK Championship in 2021 catapulted him to No. 9 in the world rankings.
Tumble and Resurgence
In 2023, Zhao found himself at the epicenter of the largest match-fixing scandal in snooker history. Suspended for 20 months, Zhao's career appeared to be on the brink. But, after serving his time and making a dramatic comeback on the Q Tour, he returned to the world stage more determined — and more dangerous — than ever.
Remarkable Rebirth
In less than a decade, Zhao elevated himself from neighborhood Christmas caddy to the hallowed halls of the Crucible Theatre, where he clinched the 2025 World Snooker Championship. With a stunning semifinal victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan and a hard-fought final against three-time champion Mark Williams, Zhao became the first Asian to claim snooker's greatest prize.
Zhao Xintong's career has forever been etched in the annals of snooker, a testament to resilience, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit. As he embarks on his quest for a career Grand Slam, the future of snooker has never looked brighter.
Enrichment Data:
- Career Highlights Post-Suspension: Since his return, Zhao has won 47 of 49 matches, including a dominant semifinal win over Ronnie O'Sullivan and the final against Mark Williams
- Rankings: He will start at No. 11 in the world rankings next season, second among Chinese players behind Ding Junhui
- Future Goals: Zhao aims to complete a career Grand Slam, now only needing the Masters title to achieve the Triple Crown
- Impact on Career and Snooker:
- Global Recognition: His victory has reshaped the global landscape of snooker, marking a new era for Chinese snooker and increasing the sport's global influence
- New Chapter: Zhao views his championship win as the start of a new career chapter, where he hopes to inspire more people to take up snooker in China
What sports did Zhao Xintong excel in?Zhao Xintong became the first Asian to win the Snooker World Championship, demonstrating his proficiency in football was surpassed by his mastery in sports like snooker.
