Snooker Sensation: Zhao Xintong's Journey to World Champion

Zhao Xintong makes history by becoming China's first world snooker champion, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final.

In 2015, a young Zhao Xintong expressed his admiration for Ding Junhui, a Chinese snooker pioneer, in a documentary. Now 28, Zhao has not only followed in Ding's footsteps but surpassed his achievements in remarkable fashion.

Zhao made history by becoming China's first world snooker champion, defeating three-time world champion Mark Williams 18-12 in the final at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. This unexpected triumph marks the culmination of Zhao's redemption story and secures his place in Chinese sporting history.

Zhao Xintong's journey to becoming a world champion wasn't without controversy. The 2021 UK Championship winner was competing as an amateur at the Crucible while serving a suspension for his involvement in a major betting scandal. This incident led to a 20-month ban, which he was now serving during his remarkable comeback.

The recent years have seen Chinese players rise to prominence in snooker, but the sport was rocked by a match-fixing scandal in 2023. Ten Chinese players were banned, with Liang Wenbo and Li Hang receiving lifetime bans. Zhao's suspension was the shortest, as he was found to have bet on matches but not thrown them, allowing him to make a triumphant return to the sport.

Like many Chinese players, Zhao has made Sheffield his base, training at the Victoria's Snooker Academy, a facility run by Chinese coaches just 10 minutes from the Crucible. The city's connection to Chinese snooker is further strengthened by the nearby Ding Junhui Snooker Academy. A record 10 Chinese players competed in the final 32 at the Crucible, showcasing the country's growing prominence in the sport.

Zhao's admiration for Ding Junhui, China's first snooker star, has been well-documented. In a 2015 documentary, a 17-year-old Zhao expressed his goal of emulating Ding, who won multiple titles including three UK Championships and the 2011 Masters. Ding's own journey paved the way for Zhao and other Chinese players to make their mark on the sport.

Zhao's Early Life

Zhao Xintong was born in Xian but moved to Shenzhen as a child when his parents found work there. As an only child, Zhao's parents, Zhao Xiaowei and Wen Anxiao, held traditional expectations for his future. His father, a hospital vice-president, and mother, a nurse, initially wanted him to focus on studying rather than his growing interest in snooker, which began when he discovered tables set up outside local stores.

Zhao's determination eventually won over his parents. In a documentary, his mother recalled a turning point: “I asked him, when you've finished university, what job will you do? He said, 'Play snooker'. He said it very firmly, he didn't need to think about it.” This moment marked a shift in her perspective, and she decided to fully support his decision to pursue snooker as a career.

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

— WST (@WeAreWST) May 5, 2025

Zhao Xintong has expressed gratitude for his parents' support, saying, ”I'm the luckiest kid in the snooker world.” Ding Junhui's father has also praised Zhao, calling him his ”favourite” player and a “rare” talent. He added, ”There's no problem with this child's character,” highlighting Zhao's admirable personality.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is another notable fan of Zhao, despite suffering a 17-7 semi-final defeat to him in Sheffield. The two share a close bond, often practising and dining together. After Zhao's win, O'Sullivan shared a warm embrace with him in the dressing room. Meanwhile, as Zhao's fame grows, his personal life has drawn increasing scrutiny in China.

Zhao Xintong faced scrutiny over his personal life after photos surfaced of him with a Chinese student he met in Britain, showcasing his supposed wealth. One notable image featured Zhao sitting in the boot of a Rolls-Royce, drawing attention to his lifestyle.

However, following his stunning victory, Zhao's focus has shifted to the riches of the snooker world. With his newfound success, he now has access to the financial rewards that come with being a world champion, marking a new chapter in his career.