US EditionZhao Xintong beats Mark Williams to win historic World Snooker Championship title
- Zhao Xintong, a 28-year-old Chinese player, won the World Snooker Championship final 18-12 against Mark Williams at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on May 5, 2025.
- Zhao returned to competition after a 20-month ban for match-fixing in 2023, which followed a major investigation involving 10 Chinese players.
- He defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals and overcame Williams, who sought a fourth title and to become the oldest champion at 50 years old.
- Zhao secured a winner's prize of 500,000 pounds and achieved the title as an amateur qualifier, having won a total of 111 frames during the tournament.
- His victory marks China’s first world snooker champion and signals a significant career comeback amid a scandal that challenged the sport’s integrity.
98 Articles
98 Articles
World Snooker Tour respond to player outrage over Zhao Xintong ranking
Zhao Xintong was crowned world champion on Monday night (Picture: Getty Images) World Snooker Tour accept that the wording could have been clearer after Zhao Xintong’s ranking status caused confusion and anger among players. The Chinese star won the World Snooker Championship on Monday night, beating Mark Williams 18-12 in the Crucible final. The 28-year-old did so under amateur status as he was banned from the sport for 20-months for being conc…
From Barrier to Redeemer of Snooker Power China
A historic coup! For 20 years, the up-and-coming Snooker power China has been looking forward to the first World Cup title of one of their billiard heroes. With an 18:12 Mark Williams award, Zhao Xintong made this milestone in the final of Sheffield. But his triumph has a bitter taste, until a few months ago the 28-year-old was still blocked.
How Zhao Xintong became Asia's first snooker world champion
When 28-year-old Zhao Xintong of China defeated 50-year-old Mark Williams of Wales to win the World Snooker Championship he was asked how long it took him to reach his current level. Zhao's answer? 20 years.When Zhao picked up the cue at eight, his coach was quickly convinced of his talent, stating that Zhao might be the most accurate player in world for his age.Zhao grew quickly as a player and within five years had finished runner-up at the Ch…
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