Zhao Xintong wins historic first World Snooker Championship for China

Final Night: The Left-Handed Duel That Rewrote History

In the early hours of May 6, 2025, the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield erupted in emotion. With an 87-point clearance, Zhao Xintong sealed an 18–12 victory over the three-time world champion Mark Williams. The 28-year-old from Xi’an dropped to his knees, overcome with emotion. Behind him stood Williams—at 50, the oldest finalist in Crucible history—offering applause and quiet respect. This final, a clash of generations and left-handed genius, ended with the Chinese flag rising in snooker’s most sacred arena.

Each session of the final mirrored Zhao’s own turbulent journey through the sport:

• Session 1: Lightning Start – Zhao raced to a 7–1 lead, producing two-century breaks and dazzling attacking play. Even Williams admitted, “It was like watching a young me.”
• Session 2: Tactical Tug-of-War – The Welshman clawed back to 5–9, only to be stunned as Zhao executed a stunning 71-point clearance, stealing a frame with a trademark double.
• Session 3: Relentless Pressure – Zhao swept six consecutive frames, including three shutouts. His safety success rate hit a stunning 92%.
• Session 4: The Final Test – Williams made a last stand, pulling back to 12–17. But Zhao held his nerve in frame 30, sinking a long red under pressure to close out the match.

As he wrapped himself in the Chinese flag, Zhao broke into tears: “This is for everyone who believes in miracles.” It was not just a personal triumph—it was China’s first-ever World Snooker Championship title.

A Star Born in a Medical Family

Born in 1997 to a family of doctors, Zhao was never meant to wear a white coat. His father was a hospital vice president, and his mother was a head nurse. But aged eight, Zhao discovered a snooker hall beneath their flat in Shenzhen—and never looked back. Sensing raw talent, his parents transformed their living room into a private training room. His mother even gave up her career to become his full-time sparring partner.

Zhao’s path was paved with bold choices and obsession:

• Education vs. Passion – Top of his class in junior school, he quit formal education at 13, declaring on camera: “I want to be the next Ding Junhui.”
• ‘Shadow Training’ Obsession – He spent months mimicking Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 2008 World Championship break-by-break until he could replay every positional shot with eyes closed.
• First Impressions – At 14, legendary coach Wu Wenzhong took him under his wing, saying, “His accuracy is beyond Judd Trump. He’s a human laser.”

That obsession paid off. In 2016, at just 19, Zhao turned pro via the IBSF World Championship, marking the start of what many called the rise of the “Chinese Rocket.”

UK Championship Crown: A New Era Begins

December 2021 saw Zhao’s breakout moment at York’s Barbican Centre, where he defeated Belgian prodigy Luca Brecel 10–5 in the UK Championship final. It was more than a win:

• The First ‘90s Kid’ to Win a Triple Crown Event, ending the era-long dominance of the 1980s generation.
• Only the Second Chinese UK Champion, after Ding Junhui.

Zhao delivered nine breaks over 50, prompting commentators to hail him as “snooker’s Federer.” Few knew he spent the night before rewatching O’Sullivan’s 147s. The Rocket invited him to dinner post-victory, telling him: “Never let anyone figure out your rhythm.”Yet, the higher he soared, the harder the fall.

The Darkest Hour: Suspension and Reinvention

In 2023, Zhao was caught in the storm of a match-fixing scandal that shook Chinese snooker. Accused of placing bets for a friend, he received a 20-month suspension. Sponsorships vanished, and critics wrote him off. But Zhao chose silence and sweat over sympathy.

• Technical Reinvention – He trained eight hours daily in a home-built practice space, targeting his weaknesses. His safety play success rate climbed from 62% to 85%.
• Mental Toughness – Under the guidance of a sports psychologist, he trained amid city noise, even completing a 147 while sirens blared outside.
• Physical Reboot – Laser eye surgery improved his dynamic visual acuity, pushing his long-potting accuracy past 93%.

Upon return in 2024, Zhao blazed through the European Q Tour with 32 consecutive wins and two maximums. His redemption arc was well underway.

The Crucible Campaign: Slaying Giants, Inspiring Millions

Zhao’s title run in Sheffield was nothing short of mythical.

• Semi-final vs. Ronnie O’Sullivan – After a 4–4 opening, Zhao stunned the world with an 8–0 whitewash in session two, including a 112 break. In the final session, he secured victory with a three-cushion double that left even O’Sullivan speechless. The Rocket embraced his protégé and whispered, “Go win your crown.”
• Final vs. Mark Williams – Tactically astute, Zhao employed deep-safety strategies to neutralize Williams’ long game, forcing a 37% error rate. When Williams clawed back in session four, Zhao responded with a cheeky one-legged pot—imitating his opponent—to defuse the tension.

Across four sessions, Zhao compiled 18 fifty-plus breaks, equalling Ding Junhui’s tournament record. As the Crucible crowd stood in ovation, the snooker world knew: this wasn’t just a championship—it was a coronation.

Zhao Xintong’s story is more than snooker. It’s a tale of vision, collapse, and rebirth. He fell from grace, but never stopped believing. And when he returned, he didn't just reclaim his place—he rewrote the ending.

The broken crown was reforged. And on Crucible’s sacred stage, a new king was crowned.