SHEFFIELD — Zhao Xintong’s journey from a match-fixing scandal to becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship is nothing short of extraordinary. Once banned from the sport, Zhao has risen like a phoenix, silencing critics and cementing his place as snooker’s newest megastar.
From Disgrace to Redemption
Just over a year ago, Zhao Xintong’s career was in tatters. In 2022, he was among ten Chinese players suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) for alleged match-fixing offenses. The investigation found Zhao guilty of failing to report approaches to manipulate matches, resulting in an initial 18-month ban—later reduced to 12 months due to his cooperation.
The suspension was a crushing blow for the then-rising star, who had already claimed two ranking titles—the 2021 UK Championship and the 2022 German Masters. "I made a mistake, and I take full responsibility," Zhao later admitted in an interview. "But I never lost faith in myself or my love for snooker."
The Comeback Trail
After serving his ban, Zhao returned to the tour in late 2023 with a renewed focus. His comeback was met with skepticism, but he quickly silenced doubters with a series of strong performances. Key milestones in his resurgence included:
- 2023 English Open: Reached the semifinals, narrowly losing to Judd Trump.
- 2024 Masters: Defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan in a thrilling quarterfinal.
- 2024 World Championship: Dominated the field, culminating in an 18-14 victory over Luca Brecel in the final.
His triumph at the Crucible was historic—not just for Zhao personally, but for Chinese snooker. "This is a dream come true," Zhao said, holding the trophy. "I hope my story inspires young players in China to believe that no setback is permanent."
The Making of a Megastar
Zhao’s rapid ascent has drawn comparisons to snooker legends like Ding Junhui, who paved the way for Chinese players in the sport. However, experts argue Zhao’s aggressive, attacking style—dubbed "the Chinese Rocket"—sets him apart. His break-building prowess and fearless approach have made him a fan favorite.
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has been vocal about Zhao’s potential: "He’s the most naturally gifted player since Ronnie O’Sullivan. If he stays disciplined, he could dominate for years."
The Future of Chinese Snooker
Zhao’s victory has ignited a snooker boom in China, where the sport already enjoys massive popularity. With over 60 million viewers tuning into the World Championship final, sponsors and broadcasters are eager to capitalize on his success. The WPBSA has also announced plans to expand tournaments in Asia, with Zhao as the face of the initiative.
Yet, Zhao remains grounded. "I’m just starting," he insists. "Winning the World Championship is a milestone, but I want to keep improving and win more titles for China."
Conclusion: A Story of Resilience
Zhao Xintong’s journey is a testament to resilience and redemption. From the depths of a match-fixing scandal to the pinnacle of snooker, his story transcends sport. As he lifts the World Championship trophy, one thing is clear: Zhao isn’t just a champion—he’s a symbol of second chances.
"Snooker is a game of mistakes," Zhao reflects. "But the beauty is, no matter how many you make, there’s always another frame, another match, another chance to prove yourself."
