Zhao Xintong: The Snooker Upset That Shook the World
Okay, honestly, who saw *this* coming? Zhao Xintong, a name that might not have been on everyone's radar, just became the first Chinese player to ever win the World Snooker Championship. He absolutely smashed three-time champion Mark Williams 18-12 in the 2025 final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. It was a stunning victory, a real David-and-Goliath moment, and it's got the whole snooker world buzzing.
His Amazing Run to the Top
Getting to the final wasn't a walk in the park. Zhao faced some seriously tough opponents, including the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals. And guess what? He beat him! 17-7! That alone should tell you something about his skill and determination. The final against Williams was a rollercoaster – a nail-biting back-and-forth that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Williams mounted a serious comeback, but Zhao held on, ultimately securing the win.
Semi-final: Zhao Xintong 17-7 Ronnie O'Sullivan
Final: Zhao Xintong 18-12 Mark Williams
It's even more impressive when you consider that Zhao is only the third qualifier ever to win at the Crucible. He's following in the footsteps of Terry Griffiths (1979) and Shaun Murphy (2005) – pretty elite company! This win really underlines his incredible talent and sheer grit.
Winning the championship didn't just give him bragging rights; he also walked away with a cool £500,000. And Williams himself? He called Zhao snooker's "new superstar." High praise indeed!
From Scandal to Superstar
Zhao's story is even more remarkable because of his recent past. He served a 20-month ban from professional snooker after being involved in a match-fixing scandal. He wasn't the one fixing matches himself, but he was connected to another player who was, and he also placed bets. His comeback, via the Q Tour, culminating in this World Championship win, is nothing short of inspirational. Talk about a redemption arc! He’s now ranked 11th in the world, which is amazing.
Is He the Next Ronnie O'Sullivan?
People are already comparing Zhao to the all-time greats. Williams himself compared Zhao's effortless style and incredible potting to a young Ronnie O'Sullivan. That’s a huge compliment! It's his attacking style and unbelievable shot-making that's drawing the comparisons. He's certainly bringing a new level of excitement to the sport.
Williams also said Zhao's impact on the game is similar to Luke Littler's in darts – bringing in fresh talent and energy. And you know what? He's right. Zhao's win has generated a ton of buzz, and it’s really promising for the future of snooker.
A Victory for China
This isn’t just about Zhao; it's a massive win for Chinese snooker. He's the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship – a truly historic moment. It celebrates years of hard work and dedication from the entire Chinese snooker community. His win has sparked huge celebrations back home, turning him into a national hero.
The Future is Bright
Zhao Xintong's World Championship win is a story of resilience, incredible skill, and unwavering determination. His journey, from suspension to becoming the first Asian World Champion, is truly inspiring. His victory is a pivotal moment for Chinese snooker and signals a thrilling new era for the sport.
The future of snooker looks incredibly bright with Zhao at the forefront. His talent and captivating style have already won over fans, and we can't wait to see what he does next.
