By Alex 
In a historic moment for Chinese snooker, Zhao Xintong has become the first player from China to win the World Snooker Championship. The 28-year-old secured the title with an impressive 18-12 victory over Mark Williams in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Monday.
A Remarkable Journey
Zhao’s journey to the championship has been nothing short of remarkable. After being suspended for 20 months in 2023 due to involvement in a match-fixing scandal, Zhao returned to competitive action and qualified for the World Championship as an amateur. He navigated through four rounds of qualifiers and defeated notable players such as Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, and Chris Wakelin before stunning seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals with a dominant 17-7 win.
The Final Showdown
In the final against Mark Williams, Zhao demonstrated exceptional skill and composure. He took an early lead, winning the first session 7-1 and extending his advantage to 11-6 after the second session. Although Williams made a spirited comeback in the final session, winning four consecutive frames to narrow the gap to 17-12, Zhao remained unfazed. He secured the championship with a composed break of 87 in the final frame.
A New Era for Chinese Snooker
Zhao’s victory marks a significant milestone for snooker in China. The sport has a massive following in the country, and Zhao’s triumph is expected to inspire a new generation of Chinese players. His win also highlights the growing global influence of Asian players in the sport
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Looking Ahead
Zhao’s win not only secures him a place in snooker history but also guarantees his return to the professional tour for the 2025/26 season. With his natural talent and attacking style of play, Zhao is poised to become a dominant force in the sport for years to come.
Zhao Xintong’s World Championship victory is a testament to his skill, resilience, and determination. It is a moment that will be remembered as a turning point for Chinese snooker.