Chinese Sensation Zhao Xintong Claims First World Snooker Title

Zhao Xintong makes history with World Snooker Championship win, overcoming 20-month ban and amateur status to claim the title.

Chinese star Zhao Xintong has emerged victorious at the World Snooker Championship, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Zhao sealed his historic win by needing just one frame in the evening session of the best-of-35 match, showcasing his dominance over his opponent.

Xiaotong Zhao built an 11-6 lead on Sunday and extended it on Monday, winning four of the first five frames to move 15-7 ahead. However, Jack Williams staged a comeback in the evening session, making a century break of 101 and capitalizing on Zhao's mistakes to reduce the deficit to seven frames at 9-17.

Mark Williams launched a late fightback, claiming three consecutive frames with impressive breaks of 96 and 73. His efforts momentarily halted Zhao's momentum, forcing a smile from the Chinese star as Williams narrowed the deficit to six frames at 12-18, just before Zhao clinched the title.

After the interval, Zhao Xintong extended his lead, building a decisive advantage. Despite a crucial opportunity for Williams to capitalize on a long black with the rest, he missed, allowing Zhao to seal the win with a composed century break of 110, securing an 18-12 victory. “I can't believe what I've done,” an emotional Zhao told the BBC. ”It's very exciting, thank you.”

“I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best.

“I'm not tired. I'll maybe have a good drink tonight.”

Zhao's historic win earned him a substantial £500,000 prize, alongside the prestige of becoming champion in front of a massive Chinese audience.

Post-Match Reflections

Despite his defeat, Mark Williams praised the tournament, saying, “It's been a brilliant tournament for me. The support I've had for the past two weeks has been unbelievable.”

“But what a potter Zhao is. I'm glad I'll be too old when he's dominating the game.

“I've got nothing but admiration for what he's done, coming through the qualifiers.”

ZHAO XINTONG IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! 🏆#HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/z8xyRzHHZ2

— WST (@WeAreWST) May 5, 2025

“He hasn't played for two years, bashed everybody up. There's a new superstar of the game.”

“I'm still playing quite good stuff, even though my eyesight is a bit blurry,” he added.

“When I was stood on the steps and they were all on their feet - it brought a tear to the eye.

“But the night belongs to Zhao, and congratulations.”

The final pitted Zhao Xintong, the young Chinese sensation, against Mark Williams, a 50-year-old Welshman. The match promised to make history, with the potential for either the oldest champion ever or the first Chinese winner of the World Snooker Championship. Despite Williams' experience, Zhao's dynamic shot-making and relentless break-building proved too strong, ultimately securing his place in snooker history.

Creating history for his country. 🇨🇳

Zhao Xintong is the first snooker player from China to be crowned world champion.

An emotional moment for an incredibly talented player. 💫 pic.twitter.com/NPxpimnWRH

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 5, 2025

Zhao's Triumphant Return

Zhao Xintong, currently competing as an amateur after serving a 20-month ban for breaching integrity rules, has made a remarkable comeback by winning the World Snooker Championship. Despite his amateur status, Zhao overcame significant challenges, including battling through four qualifying rounds to reach the main draw. Meanwhile, runner-up Mark Williams will rise to number three in the world rankings and earn a £200,000 prize for his efforts.