In a landmark achievement for both his career and Chinese snooker, Zhao Xintong clinched the 2025 World Snooker Championship title by defeating three-time champion Mark Williams 18–12 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. This victory marks Zhao as the first Chinese and Asian player to win the prestigious title, signaling a significant shift in the sport’s global landscape.
A Remarkable Comeback
Zhao’s path to the championship was anything but conventional. Following a 20-month suspension due to a match-fixing investigation, he returned to the sport as an amateur, navigating through four qualifying rounds to secure his place in the main draw. His journey included a notable semi-final victory over seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, culminating in a decisive win against Williams in the final.
Reflecting on his triumph, Zhao expressed his disbelief and joy, stating, “I can’t believe what I’ve done. It’s very exciting.”
Impact on Chinese Snooker
Zhao’s victory has ignited celebrations across China, a country with a burgeoning interest in snooker. With over 300,000 snooker clubs and an estimated 150 million viewers, his success is expected to further boost the sport’s popularity. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) sees this as a pivotal moment, potentially paving the way for snooker’s inclusion in future Olympic Games.
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson remarked, “Zhao’s triumph bolsters snooker’s bid for inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.”
Williams’ Sportsmanship
Despite the loss, Mark Williams, at 50 the oldest finalist in Crucible history, displayed commendable sportsmanship. He praised Zhao’s performance, calling him a “new superstar of the game,” and even shared a light-hearted moment by pretending to punch Zhao in a post-match photo, delighting fans worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Zhao’s victory not only secures him a £500,000 prize but also propels him to 11th in the world rankings. His manager anticipates a surge in endorsements, with projections suggesting he could surpass Ronnie O’Sullivan’s career earnings, making him the richest player in snooker history.
As Zhao sets his sights on future titles, his journey from suspension to world champion serves as an inspiration, heralding a new era for snooker both in China and globally.
