From Prodigy to Champion: A 20-Year Journey
At 28, Zhao Xintong didn’t just lift the trophy—he made history as Asia’s first snooker world champion, toppling 50-year-old Welsh legend Mark Williams at the Crucible Theatre.
He first gripped a cue at age eight. His coach immediately saw his pinpoint accuracy, predicting a bright future. By 13, Zhao was runner-up at the Chinese national youth tournament. At 17, he claimed his first title in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province.
Rising Through the Ranks
Zhao turned pro in 2016. Early promise clashed with an aggressive, sometimes inconsistent style—he faced relegation twice. Each time, he rallied back with back-to-back promotions, showing resilience that would define his career.
2021 marked Zhao’s breakthrough: victories over John Higgins, Jack Lisowski, Barry Hawkins and Luca Brecel secured him the UK Championship. A year later, he beat Yan Bingtao in an all-Chinese final at the German Masters, cracking the world top 10 for the first time.
Setbacks and Comebacks
In 2023, a 20-month suspension for match-fixing threatened to derail Zhao’s momentum. Off the table, he found perspective, embracing humility and rediscovering his passion for snooker.
Back in September 2024, Zhao stormed through three Q-Tour events, booking his Crucible spot. There, he dismantled Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, Ronnie O'Sullivan—and finally, Williams—capping a remarkable comeback.
Looking Ahead
From a cue-wielding kid to a world champion, Zhao Xintong’s 20-year odyssey is a testament to talent, grit and growth. For young athletes and global fans, his story proves that setbacks can fuel success and that true champions never stop learning.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
