Source : ABC NEWS
Zhao Xintong has become the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship with a victory over three-time winner Mark Williams at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.
It is the latest chapter in Zhao’s remarkable rise and fall story.
The 28-year-old won by 18 frames to 12, becoming the first amateur to win the world title, despite a spirited comeback attempt from Welshman Williams.
“I can’t believe what I’ve done. It’s very exciting,” said Zhao, draped in a Chinese flag.
“I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He’s the best.
“It’s a very special moment for me, for Chinese snooker, for everyone.”
Zhao received a 20-month ban in January 2023 after a match-fixing scandal that rocked the sport.
The repercussions of his suspension meant he was classed as an amateur at the World Snooker Championship and needed to get through four rounds of qualifying to reach the Crucible, a gruelling run to the title that began on April 7.
The final was already historic no matter the result, as 50-year-old Williams became the oldest player to reach the final with his win over world number one Judd Trump in the semis.
Zhao won the final against Mark Williams by 18 frames to 12. (Getty Images: George Wood)
“It’s been a brilliant tournament for me,” said Williams, momentarily fighting back tears.
“The support I’ve had for the past two weeks has been unbelievable.
“But what a potter Zhao is. I’m glad I’ll be too old when he’s dominating the game.
“I’ve got nothing but admiration for what he’s done, coming through the qualifiers. He hasn’t played for two years, bashed everybody up. There’s a new superstar of the game.”
Zhao had swept aside seven-time winner Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semis to set up what was billed as the coronation of a new snooker king.
Nicknamed ‘the Cyclone’, Zhao raced out to an early 7-1 advantage in the best-of-35-frame contest, but Williams staged a mini revival in the second session to keep alive his hopes of a fourth title.
No player, however, had overcome such a large overnight deficit since the tournament moved to the Crucible in 1977.
Zhao joined Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy as the only qualifiers to capture snooker’s most prestigious trophy.
Reuters
