Snooker Zhao becomes China s first world snooker champion after comeback from ban

SHEFFIELD, England - Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship as the qualifier completed his stunning march to the title with a 18-12 victory against Mark Williams in the final on May 5.

Zhao made history at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre by taking the seven frames he required to clinch the trophy after building a dominant 11-6 lead in May 5’s sessions.

The 28-year-old was only China’s second World Championship finalist, emulating Ding Junhui’s run to the 2016 showpiece.

But while Ding was beaten by Mark Selby in the final nine years ago, Zhao produced a nerveless display to defeat three-time champion Williams.

He banked £500,000 (S$860,000) in prize money, earning immortality as Asia’s first World Championship winner.

“I can’t believe what I’ve done. It’s very exciting,” Zhao said.

“I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He’s the best.”

Zhao, who won the 2021 UK Championship, is one of the sport’s most unexpected world champions.

He has been playing as an amateur since September as he continues his comeback after a 20-month ban for involvement in a 2023 betting scandal.

Zhao accepted charges of being a party to another player fixing two matches and betting on matches himself in a controversy that led to 10 Chinese players being punished, with life bans for Liang Wenbo and Li Hang.

Zhao’s enforced amateur status meant he had to battle through four qualifying rounds just to reach the World Championship main draw at the Crucible, which is walking distance from his Sheffield home.

Due to return to the main professional tour next season, Zhao is just the third player after Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy to win the title as a qualifier in the 48-year Crucible era.