Zhao Xintong’s Historic Crucible Triumph Sends Shockwaves Through Snooker World
Zhao Xintong has made history by becoming China’s first-ever World Snooker Champion, defeating veteran Mark Williams 18-12 in a gripping final at the Crucible. The 27-year-old’s sensational run has not only earned him the prestigious title and a £500,000 prize but also re-established his place among snooker’s elite after a turbulent chapter in his career.
Zhao’s win is even more remarkable considering he entered the tournament as an amateur, having lost his professional tour card in January 2023 due to a 20-month suspension for involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Despite his amateur status, Zhao displayed top-tier quality throughout the tournament, reaffirming the promise he showed when he won the UK Championship in 2021.
Snooker legend Jimmy White, who will also feature on tour next season via an invitational card, hailed Zhao’s performance on TNT Sports, declaring the Chinese star as a future multi-time world champion. “What a player,” White said. “He’s just a natural. And to think, he wasn’t even at his best. He won this championship in third or fourth gear.”
White also issued a warning to snooker greats like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, and reigning champion Kyren Wilson, stating that Zhao’s return to the full-time tour will make him a serious threat in the upcoming seasons.
