From Betting Scandal to World Championship Glory: Zhao Xintong’s Epic Rise to Snooker Legend

Zhao Xintong’s rise from a teenage snooker hopeful to potentially becoming China’s first World Snooker Champion has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 28 years old, he’s on the verge of surpassing Ding Junhui, China’s snooker pioneer, who has long been regarded as the country’s greatest snooker player. In 2015, a young Zhao declared in a documentary that his goal was to emulate Ding’s success, a sentiment that has stayed with him throughout his journey. Now, with a spot in the World Snooker Championship final, Zhao has the chance to carve his own place in history.

Zhao’s breakthrough came after an impressive victory over seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals, where he triumphed with a commanding 17-7 scoreline. The win, achieved at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, not only shocked the snooker world but also signaled the arrival of a new Chinese star. Zhao will face either Judd Trump or Mark Williams in the final, where a win would cement his place as one of the sport’s elite.

Zhao’s path to this moment has not been without its challenges. In 2023, a major match-fixing scandal rocked the snooker world, leading to the suspension of several Chinese players. Zhao was banned for 20 months for his involvement in betting, though he was cleared of throwing matches. His suspension was the shortest, reflecting that his actions did not impact the integrity of the sport in the same way as others. Despite the controversy, Zhao has shown resilience, making his way back to the top of the game.

Raised in Xian but later relocating to Shenzhen, Zhao’s journey began at an early age. Intrigued by snooker tables set up outside stores near his home, he developed a passion for the sport. Encouraged by his parents, who initially had doubts about his career ambitions, Zhao’s parents ultimately supported his decision to pursue snooker full-time. His mother recalls a moment when Zhao, at 17, confidently told her he would play snooker professionally after university. That was the turning point, and from that day on, his parents backed his dream.

Zhao’s success owes much to the mentorship of Ding Junhui, who paved the way for Chinese players in the sport. Ding’s achievements have inspired a new generation of players, with Zhao among those leading the charge. Today, Zhao trains at the Victoria’s Snooker Academy in Sheffield, a facility operated by Chinese coaches. Close to the Crucible, the academy has become a hub for up-and-coming Chinese talent. In fact, a record 10 Chinese players participated in the 2023 World Championship, a testament to the growing prominence of Chinese snooker.

Outside of snooker, Zhao’s life has attracted media attention, especially as his fame has increased. A few years ago, photos surfaced of him alongside a Chinese student in Britain, where he appeared to flaunt his family’s wealth, with one image showing him sitting in the boot of a Rolls-Royce. However, these moments have not deterred Zhao’s supporters, including snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has continued to praise Zhao’s character and skill, despite the heavy defeat he suffered at Zhao’s hands.

As Zhao approaches the final stage of the World Championship, the legacy of Chinese snooker is firmly in his hands. A victory would not only place Zhao in snooker’s elite but also mark a monumental achievement for the sport in China, with Zhao’s story continuing to inspire the next generation of Chinese players.