Zhao Xintong's Historic Win Sparks New Era for Snooker in China

Chinese snooker star Zhao Xintong makes history with World Championship win, hailed as 'national hero' and potential superstar.

Zhao Xintong made history by becoming the first Asian champion at the Crucible, defeating three-time winner Mark Williams 18-12. Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, believes Zhao's win will take snooker to “another level” in China. “He has entered the history books of this sport and in China he will probably be one of the biggest stars there,” Ferguson told the BBC. Ferguson added that Zhao's youth, talent, and entertainment value, combined with his ability to speak both English and Mandarin, make him a significant figure. “Snooker is so big in China. He is young, talented and entertaining and speaks both English and Mandarin. This is going to take snooker to another level.” Ferguson described Zhao as a “national hero” in China.

Zhao Xintong's historic World Championship win is set to make him a huge star in China. Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said, “China loves its heroes and winners. Some countries back underdogs, but in China, they really celebrate their champions. He has the ability to become the most popular sporting star in the country.”

Zhao, who won the title as a qualifier, defeated Mark Williams 18-12 to claim the championship. Notably, Zhao has been playing as an amateur since September, making his comeback after a 20-month ban for involvement in a betting scandal.

INCREDIBLE! 🎉

What a special night it was for Zhao Xintong at the Crucible. 👏#BBCSnooker pic.twitter.com/5KarqsCj13

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 6, 2025

China now boasts both the reigning male and female World Snooker champions, with Zhao Xintong's win following Bai Yulu's 2024 World Women's Snooker Championship title. Mark Williams, the defeated finalist, believes Zhao's victory could be a pivotal moment for the sport, saying, “We have a new superstar. It's what snooker needed, someone like him to come through.” Williams added that Zhao's win could “open floodgates everywhere,” potentially bringing new excitement and attention to snooker.

“He will be a great world champion. He is probably the best potter I have ever seen - I have nothing but admiration for him.

“He has bashed everyone up, including Ronnie (O'Sullivan) and me. Just watch him because he could dominate, or at least give Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson (the top-ranked players in the world) a run for their money.”

The moment Zhao Xintong became a World Champion! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/GTUoJcbafO

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) May 5, 2025

A record 10 Chinese players competed in the World Snooker Championship's main draw this year, showcasing the country's growing influence in the sport. 

Zhao Xintong's victory sparked massive interest on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where the hashtag “Zhao Xintong wins world championship” garnered 120 million views and trended among the top stories. Ding Junhui, China's prominent snooker player and 2016 World Championship finalist, congratulated Zhao, writing, “Today, Zhao Xintong did it! What he won is the shared dream of generations of Chinese snooker players. I'm happy for you and proud of the rise of Chinese strength!”