How Zhao Xintong Emerged as Asia's Inaugural Snooker World Champion
When 28-year-old Zhao Xintong from China triumphed over 50-year-old Mark Williams of Wales to clinch the World Snooker Championship, he was asked about the duration of his journey to reach his current level of play. Zhao's answer? 20 years....
TroibNews 
When 28-year-old Zhao Xintong from China triumphed over 50-year-old Mark Williams of Wales to clinch the World Snooker Championship, he was asked about the duration of his journey to reach his current level of play.
Zhao's answer? 20 years.
He began playing at the age of eight, and his coach was quickly convinced of his exceptional ability, remarking that Zhao might be the most accurate player in the world for someone of his age.
Zhao's development as a player was rapid; within five years, he secured a runner-up position at the Chinese national youth tournament. In 2010, he captured his first title in Shenzhen, located in southern China's Guangdong province.
By 2016, Zhao turned professional, navigating some challenging times due to his aggressive but inconsistent playing style. He faced relegation twice but achieved back-to-back promotions each time.
A significant career milestone arrived in 2021 when he emerged victorious over John Higgins, Jack Lisowski, Barry Hawkins, and ultimately Luca Brecel to win the UK Championship. The following year, he bested Yan Bingtao in an all-Chinese final at the German Masters, propelling himself to world No. 9.
However, in 2023, Zhao encountered a major setback when he was suspended for 20 months due to a match-fixing scandal. During this period, he was absent from all competitions but felt that the suspension instilled humility in him and helped clarify the true significance of snooker in his life.
Zhao made his return to competitive snooker in September 2024, winning three consecutive Q-Tour titles and securing qualification for this year's World Championship. From the outset at the Crucible Theater, he was a formidable presence, defeating Jak Jones, compatriot Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and finally Williams, culminating in a trophy lift.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
Zhao's answer? 20 years.
He began playing at the age of eight, and his coach was quickly convinced of his exceptional ability, remarking that Zhao might be the most accurate player in the world for someone of his age.
Zhao's development as a player was rapid; within five years, he secured a runner-up position at the Chinese national youth tournament. In 2010, he captured his first title in Shenzhen, located in southern China's Guangdong province.
By 2016, Zhao turned professional, navigating some challenging times due to his aggressive but inconsistent playing style. He faced relegation twice but achieved back-to-back promotions each time.
A significant career milestone arrived in 2021 when he emerged victorious over John Higgins, Jack Lisowski, Barry Hawkins, and ultimately Luca Brecel to win the UK Championship. The following year, he bested Yan Bingtao in an all-Chinese final at the German Masters, propelling himself to world No. 9.
However, in 2023, Zhao encountered a major setback when he was suspended for 20 months due to a match-fixing scandal. During this period, he was absent from all competitions but felt that the suspension instilled humility in him and helped clarify the true significance of snooker in his life.
Zhao made his return to competitive snooker in September 2024, winning three consecutive Q-Tour titles and securing qualification for this year's World Championship. From the outset at the Crucible Theater, he was a formidable presence, defeating Jak Jones, compatriot Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and finally Williams, culminating in a trophy lift.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
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