YORK, England — The journey from a shy, prodigiously talented youngster to a global sporting icon is rarely smooth, but for Zhao Xintong, the transformation has been as rapid as his break-building. As he begins his UK Championship bid with a commanding 6-2 victory over Jamie Clarke in his opening match, the 26-year-old reflects on a life irrevocably changed since that historic night in May 2022 when he became China’s first world snooker champion.
A New Reality: Fame at Home and Abroad
The Crucible triumph didn't just earn Zhao the title and a £500,000 cheque; it catapulted him into a new stratosphere of fame, particularly in his homeland. "In China, everything is different now," Zhao explains through a translator, a calm smile on his face. "Before, I could walk around, go to the supermarket, no problem. Now, it is very difficult. People recognise me everywhere." This newfound celebrity extends far beyond his local haunts, following him even into the transient spaces of international travel. "People take pictures of me at the airport," he says, stating the fact with a mixture of bemusement and acceptance.
His playing style, a breathtaking fusion of fluid cue action and fearless, attacking snooker, earned him the nickname "The Cyclone." That whirlwind has now swept through the public consciousness in China, where snooker's popularity has soared. He is no longer just a player; he is a pioneer, the standard-bearer for a nation of hundreds of millions of snooker fans. The weight of that responsibility is not lost on him, but he carries it with a quiet grace, focusing his energy on the table where he feels most at home.
Navigating the Spotlight and Expectations
The period following his World Championship win was, by his own admission, challenging. The spotlight intensified, and with it came immense pressure to perform. A subsequent dip in form saw him drop down the rankings, a natural comedown from the pinnacle of the sport. "After winning the world title, there is more pressure," Zhao acknowledges. "Everyone wants to beat the world champion. It was a new experience for me, and it took time to learn how to handle it."
His recent run to the final of the Champions of Champions in Bolton, where he was narrowly defeated by Judd Trump, signaled a return to his brilliant best. It also served as a timely confidence boost ahead of the UK Championship, snooker's second-most prestigious ranking event. The victory over Clarke at the York Barbican showcased the hallmarks of his game:
- Devastating Long Potting: Several opening reds were dispatched from distance, immediately seizing control of frames.
- Fluid Break-Building: Runs of 135, 80, and 77 demonstrated his effortless scoring ability once in amongst the balls.
- Resilience: After losing a tight second frame, he reeled off five frames in a row, shutting out any chance of a comeback.
"I feel happy with my game today," Zhao stated after the match. "I scored heavily, and my safety was good. This is a very big tournament for me, and I want to try my best here again."
The Chinese Snooker Revolution
Zhao's success is not an isolated phenomenon but the crest of a wave. He is the brightest star in a constellation of Chinese talent lighting up the professional tour. The likes of Yan Bingtao (2021 Masters champion), Zhang Anda (recent winner of the International Championship), and the emerging talents of Si Jiahui and Wu Yize have established China as a dominant force in the sport. This collective rise has transformed the landscape of professional snooker, creating a passionate fanbase that follows every match in the early hours of the morning.
Zhao is acutely aware of his role in this revolution. "For Chinese snooker, my win was very important," he says. "It shows the young players in China that it is possible. Before, maybe they thought the top prize was only for the British players. Now they see a Chinese player can do it, and I think it gives them more dream." His victory has inspired a new generation to pick up a cue, much as Ding Junhui’s breakthrough did nearly two decades ago, but with the ultimate prize now demonstrably within reach.
Life Beyond the Baize
Away from the pressure-cooker environment of tournament snooker, Zhao is learning to find balance. The intense scrutiny in China means his private life requires more management, but he retains a love for simple pleasures. He is an avid fan of football and enjoys watching matches when time allows. The discipline and travel of the tour life, which he began as a teenager, have forged a resilient and independent character. While he misses Chinese food during long stints in the UK, he has adapted, his focus always circling back to improvement and refinement of his game.
Looking Ahead in York and Beyond
As he progresses in the UK Championship, a tournament he memorably won in 2021 to announce his arrival on the biggest stage, the expectations will again rise. Each match will be a test of his skill and his newfound ability to manage the weight of being Zhao Xintong, world champion. Yet, he seems to be embracing the challenge with a clearer mind. The struggles of the past season have provided a necessary education in the art of sustaining excellence.
"Snooker is my life," he says simply. "I love to play, I love to practice. The last year I learned many things, not just about snooker, but about myself. Now, I feel more calm. I know what I must do." His goal is clear: to add more major titles and cement his legacy. "The world title was my dream, but now I have new dreams. I want to win more, to be number one."
For now, the immediate dream is another deep run in York. As he moves through the tournament, he will inevitably be stopped for more photographs, his image captured by fans in awe of the unassuming young man who changed snooker in China forever. From the airports of the world to the green baize of the Barbican, Zhao Xintong is navigating his remarkable journey one frame, and one snapshot, at a time.
