Zhao Xintong Aims for Historic World Championship Glory After Return from Ban
Former UK and German Masters champion Zhao Xintong is set to make his return to snooker’s biggest stage, aiming to become China’s first world champion. After serving a 20-month suspension for his involvement in a 2023 match-fixing probe, Zhao has secured a place in the World Championship qualifiers through a WPBSA nomination. His comeback has been nothing short of remarkable, with a dominant run on the Q Tour under amateur status, ultimately earning him the top spot in the Q Tour Europe ranking list.
The 27-year-old Chinese star will have to navigate four qualifying rounds at the English Institute of Sport, starting on April 7, to earn a place among the last 32 at the Crucible. If successful, he will attempt to become only the fourth player in history to win the World Championship after coming through qualifying—following in the footsteps of Alex Higgins (1972), Terry Griffiths (1979), and Shaun Murphy (2005).
Despite his current status as a qualifier, bookmakers already rate Zhao among the leading contenders for the title, placing him just behind top-ranked players such as Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, and defending champion Luca Brecel. Before his ban, Zhao had reached a career-high ranking of world No. 6 and showcased his immense talent, including a 10-5 triumph over Brecel to win the 2021 UK Championship.
His recent form suggests he remains a formidable threat, having made back-to-back 147s and a 146 in recent tournaments. Even snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has drawn comparisons between Zhao and Roger Federer, praising his natural flair but suggesting he could benefit from a stronger defensive game.
Zhao has twice qualified for the Crucible, with his best performance being a 10-2 first-round victory over Jamie Clarke in 2021 before losing 13-9 to Stephen Maguire. This time, however, he returns with a point to prove and a shot at rewriting history.
The World Championship qualifiers will take place from April 7-16, with the main event kicking off on April 19 at the Crucible Theatre. The final will be held on May 5, broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
