Zhao Xintong has made history by becoming the first Chinese player to secure the World Snooker Championship title, triumphing over three-time champion Mark Williams in a riveting final held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. The match concluded with a score of 18 frames to 12, marking an extraordinary milestone for Zhao, who, despite prior challenges, rose to glory as the first amateur to claim the prestigious title.
Reflecting on his achievement, the 28-year-old Zhao expressed his disbelief and excitement, saying, “I can’t believe what I’ve done. It’s very exciting.” Draped in a Chinese flag, Zhao acknowledged the pressure exerted by Williams, stating, “Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He’s the best.” He emphasized the significance of this moment, not only for himself but for Chinese snooker as a whole.
Zhao’s journey to the championship has not been straightforward. Earlier this year, he faced a 20-month suspension due to a match-fixing scandal that deeply affected the sport. This ban classified him as an amateur at the World Snooker Championship, necessitating a challenging path through four qualifying rounds that began on April 7.
The final was historic in more ways than one, as the 50-year-old Williams set a record as the oldest player to reach the final after defeating world number one Judd Trump in the semifinals.
This victory not only represents a personal achievement for Zhao but also reflects the growing prominence of Chinese players in the snooker world, reminiscent of other recent successes seen across various sports involving Chinese athletes, such as Shang Juncheng in tennis, who also made headlines by winning the Chengdu Open, and Huang Ya Qiong in badminton, who triumphed at the Olympics. As more athletes rise and shine on the global stage, Zhao’s success could inspire the next generation of snooker talent in China and beyond.
With his remarkable comeback and historic title, Zhao Xintong has undoubtedly provided a hopeful and encouraging narrative for the future of snooker.
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