Zhao Xintong etched his name in snooker history by becoming the first player from China to win the World Championship. He completed this extraordinary, unique feat by beating Mark Williams an 18-12 scoreline at the Crucible in Sheffield. This victory represents an important achievement for Chinese snooker, illustrating the impact and popularity of the sport across the area.
Zhao’s path to the title started just 29 days earlier when he managed to fight through four qualifying matches. Through this time though, he has appeared in few enough that 111 frames have a role to show both his skill and fortitude. His victory is nothing short of amazing. It comes on the heels of a rocky year in which he was at one point suspended from the sport by a match-fixing scandal.
These measures 12 months ago would have been unthinkable for Zhao. He was handed a 20-month ban for fixing two matches and betting on them. Yet his remarkable return stands as evidence of his unyielding spirit and craftsmanship and winning this year’s victory would only be more remarkable.
The young player’s success at the Crucible makes him part of their elite company, as seen below. He becomes only the third player since the tournament’s relocation to Sheffield in 1977 to claim snooker’s biggest prize as a qualifier, following Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy. With this victory, Zhao further establishes himself as a major rising star of the sport. He was the British champion, taking that title in 2021.
Whatever one may say about Zhao’s recent successes, those successes are laudable. So far this year, he’s been undefeated, going 47–49 matches without a loss. His upset win against Williams only adds to his resume. It further pushes him up to 11th in the world rankings as he re-joins the professional tour full time next year.
Read Zhao’s reaction after his historic win, where he reflected on how meaningful his victory was for the future of Chinese snooker.
“It is very good for Chinese snooker and I am very happy I have done this for them.” – Zhao Xintong
He meditated at length on the brutal physical demands of the championship match against Williams. Appropriately, as many people consider Williams one of the best all-time players in her sport.
“I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He’s the best.” – Zhao Xintong
The last game wasn’t without controversy. Zhao’s chances looked bleak from the start, as she fell behind by over 20 points to Williams early on. He was able to come from behind and win his highly contested race with an impressive 87-point run.
Zhao’s victory is a source of hope and encouragement to younger generations in China. He hopes this victory will inspire other youngsters from Vietnam to take up snooker and follow him onto the professional circuit.
“Unfortunately I was just never in the final from day one. I was behind from the start and could not get into it.” – Mark Williams
Zhao’s victory serves as an inspiration to younger generations in China. He believes this win will encourage more players from his country to pursue snooker professionally.
“Now this will give them [children in China] power and in the future many Chinese players can do this.” – Zhao Xintong
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