Zhao Xintong: first snooker world champion from Asia with a flaw

"I can't believe what I've achieved here," said the new snooker world champion after winning the final frame of the final match against former world champion Mark Williams in impressive and dominant fashion. "I was so nervous," Zhao admitted.

The Chinese is the first Asian snooker world champion. He defeated Welshman Williams 18-12 and was subsequently celebrated by the audience in the legendary Crucible Theatre, holding the Chinese flag.

Recognition from Mark Williams

"What can I say, there's a new superstar," Williams emphasized, referring to the new champion. At 50, Williams was the oldest finalist in World Championship history and had the opportunity to win his fourth title 25 years after his first.

However, his opponent gave him no chance. In the very first session, Zhao won seven of eight frames, laying the foundation for victory. He then gradually increased his lead. Before the final session, Zhao led 17-8, needing just one more frame to win.

Williams, however, made it exciting again, winning five frames in a row. However, in the 30th and final frame, he made a simple error. Zhao then cleared the table and won.

First suspension, then World Cup

However, the new world champion is not without controversy. In June 2023, he was suspended for participating in illegal match-fixing. Zhao admitted to betting on matches as part of a larger match-fixing scandal involving several players.

As a result, he had to serve a 20-month suspension until last fall. He also lost his professional status and had to work his way back up as an amateur. He entered the World Championship tournament only as a qualifier and was not automatically placed in the main draw.

He is therefore not only the first Asian to win the World Championship title, but also the first amateur to do so. He will regain his professional status for the coming season, which begins with the English Open in September. Only then will the £500,000 (approximately €587,000) prize money for the title be paid out.

Snooker as a mass phenomenon in China

Snooker has grown significantly in popularity in China over the past two decades. Millions of fans watch the tournaments. Around 150 million Chinese fans watched Zhao's final victory.

The number of people who play themselves is also large: Supported by targeted youth development programs, such as those at the National Snooker Academy in Beijing, many young Chinese see snooker as a real career opportunity. Zhao's success is likely to further increase interest and inspire other children and young people to follow his example.