Zhao Xintong claimed the World Snooker Championship title, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 at the Crucible Theatre. The victory makes Zhao the first player from China to lift the sport's biggest trophy.
The win marked a return to the sport's pinnacle for the 28-year-old, who recently served a 20-month ban. The suspension stemmed from a match-fixing scandal involving several Chinese players.
Zhao pleaded guilty to charges related to betting on matches and being aware of other players fixing outcomes. However, a World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association disciplinary committee match-fixing details exonerated him of rigging his own games, though he admitted assisting another player in fixing two matches.
The ban resulted in Zhao losing his professional status. He returned to competition on the amateur Q Tour circuit, securing multiple wins before earning a place back on the professional tour and qualifying for the World Championship. He is also the first qualifier since Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy in 1977 to win the tournament in Sheffield.
On his path to the final, Zhao defeated several top players, including a dominant semi-final performance against Ronnie O'Sullivan, who had previously praised Zhao's talent.
Sport officials anticipate Zhao's success will significantly impact the sport's growth, particularly in China. WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson described Zhao as a "national hero" and suggested his win could take snooker "to another level" in a country where the sport already has a large following.
China represents the largest market for snooker television audiences, with millions watching the World Championship final. The game is increasingly integrated into school systems there, suggesting a growing pool of future talent. The rise of players like Zhao aligns with expectations that the game dominated by Far East players in the coming years.
Three-time world champion Mark Williams, after losing the final, called Zhao a "superstar" and expressed admiration for his comeback journey through qualification.
Zhao reflected on his return after the ban, stating it was a valuable lesson that increased his appreciation for the sport.