The Rise of Zhao Xintong

Zhao Xintong has taken the snooker world by storm after becoming the first Chinese player to win a world championship, earning himself the title of snooker's "new superstar." This 28-year-old talent dazzled fans as he clinched victory against the legendary Mark Williams, a three-time world champion, in an electrifying final at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.

From Childhood Fascination to Star Player

Born in Xi'an and later moving to Shenzhen as a child, Zhao's journey into snooker began at just eight years old, sparked by tables set up near his home. Initially skeptical, his parents eventually supported his aspirations, even transforming a room in their house into a practice space for their only child.

Inspired by snooker veteran Ding Junhui, Zhao resolutely stated his goal of becoming a professional snooker player. His mother recalls the pivotal moment when she decided to back his dream wholeheartedly, recognizing his unwavering determination. As a result, Zhao considers himself the "luckiest kid in the snooker world. "

A Mentor in the Making

By his teenage years, Zhao was already turning heads, winning matches against seasoned professionals, including none other than Mark Williams. His training at Victoria's Snooker Academy caught the attention of snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan, who generously became a mentor, guiding Zhao’s development. O’Sullivan famously likened him to "Roger Federer with a snooker cue in his hands," affirming Zhao's immense potential.

The Dark Turn: A Suspension

Zhao was affectionately dubbed the "Cyclone" thanks to his dynamic playing style. His triumphant win in the UK Championship signaled a bright future, but fate took a harsh turn in early 2023 when he was one of ten Chinese players suspended over a match-fixing scandal. While not directly guilty of fixing matches, Zhao acknowledged his participation in a betting situation and accepted a 20-month ban.

In a heartfelt statement post-suspension, Zhao expressed remorse for disappointing his fans and vowed to learn from his mistakes, realizing the gravity of his choices.

A Thunderous Comeback

Driven by determination, Zhao made a triumphant return after his ban. He earned his stripes back in the sport, dominating the Q Tour amateur circuit before successfully qualifying for the world championship, even starting from the preliminary stage.

By the time he reached the semi-finals, Zhao was the last Chinese competitor standing, ultimately defeating his mentor O’Sullivan in an awe-inspiring 17-7 victory. He then outperformed Mark Williams in the finals, claiming an impressive 18-12 win, and making history as the youngest world champion since 2005.

A Bright Future Ahead

Zhao Xintong's remarkable coronation captivated millions of fans in China, cementing his status as the future of snooker. With aspirations soaring high, he is set to begin the next season ranked 11th in the world. Snooker legends and fans alike herald this new era, with six-time world champion Steve Davis emphasizing Zhao's cool composure and adaptability.

As the snooker community eagerly anticipates his next moves, one thing is clear: Zhao Xintong is here to stay, and the world of snooker is indeed in for an exhilarating ride!