On April 3, 2005, a young Zhao Xintong celebrated his eighth birthday while witnessing a significant moment in snooker history unfold on television. The China Open final showcased a fierce contest where Ding Junhui triumphed over Stephen Hendry, a legendary figure in the sport. This captivating match, filled with vibrant colors and competitive spirit, ignited Zhao’s passion for snooker—a passion that has borne fruit two decades later, as he has ascended to become a world champion.
Today, Zhao resides in Sheffield, situated conveniently close to the esteemed Crucible Theatre, the iconic venue that hosts the World Snooker Championship. However, his path to this pinnacle of success is marked by unique challenges that have shaped his journey, making him perhaps one of the most remarkable players to achieve victory there. His rise was swift and notable; in 2021, he made waves by winning the prestigious UK Championship title, garnering attention as a burgeoning star in the world of snooker. Yet, 18 months later, his career faced a shocking turn when he was suspended due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal that implicated ten Chinese players, although he was not directly accused of fixing any matches.
The impact of this suspension was profound. It not only cost Zhao his tour card but also forced him to confront a significant decision—either abandon his snooker ambition entirely or recommit to the sport from the ground up. Demonstrating resilience, Zhao opted to enter the Q Tour, a series of amateur snooker events held in various clubs. Although this environment was contrastingly distant from the spotlight of pro tournaments such as those at the Crucible or Alexandra Palace, Zhao exhibited his extraordinary talent shortly after his transition. He showcased remarkable performances, losing just one match across five events and achieving two maximum breaks, thus reaffirming his place in the competitive realm of snooker.
Zhao’s triumphant return to the professional circuit was solidified as he qualified for both the UK Championship and the World Championship, culminating in an impressive qualifying journey. When the qualifiers commenced at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on April 7, his confidence was palpable. Zhao commenced his challenge with a century break in his first frame, and he continued to impress by amassing twelve century breaks by the end of the qualifying rounds.
At the Crucible, where pressure often breeds anxiety, Zhao displayed remarkable composure as he faced Jak Jones, last year’s runner-up, claiming victory with a decisive 10-4 score. Zhao’s unwavering performance continued as he navigated matches against Lei Peifan and Chris Wakelin, securing his place in the tournament’s latter stages. The climax of his journey came in the semifinals against his idol, Ronnie O’Sullivan. Despite the sentimental atmosphere, Zhao remained focused and capitalized on O’Sullivan’s struggles, ultimately winning the semi-final 17-7.
The final match against Mark Williams saw Zhao take charge from the outset. Maintaining a consistent level of excellence, he never eased up, even in the face of late-game intensity from his opponent, thus highlighting his mental fortitude. His victory was both a personal and professional redemption as he was crowned world champion, officially marking him as China’s first player to achieve this remarkable feat. Zhao’s win is not merely a statistic in the annals of snooker but a narrative of overcoming adversity and reinvention.
In the wake of his tumultuous past, Zhao acknowledges past mistakes yet embodies the essence of resilience—a quality that resonates deeply with fans. His composed demeanor and skillful play have cemented his status as a coveted talent, making him an exciting figure to watch for snooker aficionados. His victory at the World Championship signals not just a personal triumph but also a shift in the dynamics of the sport itself, marking a potential transition of power in a realm traditionally dominated by British players.
Zhao’s triumph should be celebrated as a significant milestone—not just for him but for the wider snooker community, representing endless possibilities for aspiring players. His journey exemplifies the notion that everyone deserves a second chance, a principle that Zhao has embraced to reinvent himself and claim a rightful place among snooker’s elite ranks. As the snooker world watches on, his story continues to be one of inspiration, determination, and an affirmation of the human spirit’s capacity for redemption.
