An amateur has become the first Chinese in history to win the World Snooker Championship! Demolated on Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams
Article by Alexandru Stanciu – published Monday, 05 May 2025 23:33 / Updated Monday, May 05, 2025 23:37
Zhao Xintong (28 years old) is the new world champion at Snooker! The Chinese defeated the triple world champion Mark Williams (50, #6 World Come) in the final at “Crucible”, score 18-12.
In the semifinals, Zhao Xintong defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan (49 years old, 5th place) with a score of 17-7, after winning all the frames in the second session.
Zhao Xintong is the new Snooker World Champion
Zhao Xintong passed 4 laps in qualifications to reach the main panel, where he defeated Jak Jones, score 10-4, Peifan, score 13-10, and Chris Wakelin, score 13-5, before the semifinal against the “rocket” Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Zhao Xintong was suspended in 2023, after being caught being involved in arranging matches for illegal bets.
The Chinese received a suspension of 2 years and 6 months, reduced following the anticipated recognition and the plea of guilt to 1 year and 8 months, until September 1, 2024. It was also fined 7,500 pounds.
After the expiration of suspension in September 2024, Zhao returned to competitions as an amateur, participating in Q Tour, a qualification circuit for players who want to return to the professional circuit. He won four consecutive events on Q Tour, which provided a new tour card for season 2025–2026.
In the end, the young Zhao offered a short reaction: “I can't believe it, I am very happy! I had a lot of emotions this evening. Mark is a top player and put a lot of pressure. I will celebrate this night! Thank you to everyone in the stands, it is a dream.”
While finalist Mark Williams praised the new Snooker World Champion: “For this sport, Zhao could be huge! We have a new superstar, that's why the snooker needed. He beat us all without emotions, including Ronnie and I am. Look at him because he can dominate the snooker.”
