This venue has seen some of the most pivotal events in snooker history. You think of Dennis Taylor’s unforgettable win in 1985, or the many dramatic triumphs from Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
However, two decades after a significant push for Chinese snooker began on a mild evening in Sheffield, Zhao Xintong may have altered how millions in Asia and beyond view and engage with sports.
Back in 2005, when Jun Hui triumphed over Steve Davis at the UK Championship, it sparked hopes for China to create a wave of success in the sport. Japan boasts over 300,000 snooker halls, elevating the game to national status, with 150 million viewers tuning in from China. Clearly, there’s a massive market here.
But something crucial had always been missing: a world champion from China. That gap has finally been filled by an extraordinary talent. Zhao’s recent victory over Lithuania’s Vilius Schulte-Ebbert, in which he won 3-0, marked his return to the sport after a long hiatus.
Zhao had been suspended for 20 months due to a match-fixing scandal that threatened Chinese snooker. While ten players faced suspensions of varying lengths, it’s essential to note that Zhao was not directly implicated in throwing matches.
He did admit to participating in betting schemes with others, and expressed regret about his actions in both China and the UK, where he currently resides. The crowd’s reception at the event indicated that, despite some lingering skepticism, many are open to giving him another chance.
“This is a significant milestone for Chinese snooker,” Zhao remarked. “I’m thrilled to have achieved this for my country. It feels surreal. When I shook hands with Mark [Williams], I nearly cried. Initially, my goal was just to get through the qualifiers. I believe many Chinese players can succeed here in the future,” he added.
Even the defeated Williams graciously acknowledged that this moment meant a lot, not just for Zhao but for the sport as a whole. “Everyone needs to rally behind him,” he said. “He has the talent to take control. We should be opening new doors; this is only beneficial for snooker.”
Before his suspension, Zhao won the UK Championship in 2021 but had to rebuild his career from scratch. He began on the amateur Q-Tour, yet he quickly made a mockery of that level, achieving two maximum breaks and showcasing his dominance.
Since returning, Zhao has won 42 out of his first 44 matches, qualifying impressively for this world championship. While there was quiet hope around his undeniable talent and temperament, few could predict how he would handle such a significant opportunity.
Competing against one of the sport’s all-time greats, Zhao displayed remarkable skill. He won both afternoon sessions and came within one frame of clinching the title early in the final session, but Williams refused to back down.
At 50, Williams noted as the oldest finalist in the Crucible’s history, he battled back from a 17-8 deficit to close the gap to 17-12, winning four consecutive frames on a tense evening. But when Zhao was given a glimmer of opportunity, he capitalized on it.
This became evident during the dramatic final frame. Zhao posted an 87 break, demonstrating the fluidity that had characterized his qualifying run, which ultimately secured his victory.
The newly crowned champion may not have celebrated near his trophy or the £500,000 winner’s check for long, but the impact of his win was felt thousands of miles away. Williams, in a reflective moment, perhaps encapsulated the significance of this day best.
“He not only defeated me but also Ronnie [O’Sullivan]. He has claimed the scalp of everyone. A new superstar is here to stay, and I just hope I’m not too old to witness what he achieves,” Williams noted. It seems like the momentum has already shifted.
