Zhao Xintong’s Crucible Comeback: From Scandal to Snooker King in Sensational World Title Triumph

In a dramatic and historic conclusion to the Halo World Snooker Championship 2025, Zhao Xintong etched his name into the sport’s storied legacy by becoming the first amateur to lift the trophy at the Crucible Theatre. The 28-year-old Chinese star delivered a performance filled with flair, composure, and clinical precision, overcoming three-time world champion Mark Williams with an emphatic display of skill and determination.

Heading into the final session with a commanding 11-6 overnight lead, Zhao wasted little time asserting his dominance. He claimed three of the first four frames on Monday to stretch his advantage to 14-7 by the mid-session interval. A composed break of 52 saw him edge even closer to glory, and he looked poised to finish the match with a session to spare, potentially sealing the biggest winning margin in a final since Stephen Hendry’s 18-5 demolition of Jimmy White in 1993.

Although Williams, the oldest finalist in Crucible history at 50, mounted a brief resistance with a break of 66 to trail 15-8, Zhao remained unshaken. A pair of uncharacteristic errors from Williams—a missed red to the middle and another to the corner—opened the door for Zhao to compile a decisive break of 66. With another clinical clearance, he surged toward the finish line and ultimately sealed a landmark 18-8 victory.

Zhao’s triumph was particularly poignant given his tumultuous journey. After winning the UK Championship in 2021, his career was derailed by a 20-month suspension for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. But on this night, redemption was complete. Not only did he become the third qualifier to win the world title since the event moved to Sheffield in 1977—joining the likes of Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy—he also secured the £500,000 winner’s purse and guaranteed his return to the professional tour, rising to 11th in the world rankings.

As confetti showered the arena and cheers erupted from the crowd, Zhao Xintong lifted the glittering trophy high above his head, his face beaming with emotion. It was a crowning moment for a player who had been written off by many, yet came back to conquer the Crucible in style. The snooker world now watches as a new star is born—resilient, brilliant, and ready for greatness.