Zhao Xintong’s World Snooker Championship win sent shockwaves through China, thrilling millions of fans across the country. The 28-year-old player became the first Chinese and Asian champion in tournament history. Zhao defeated Welsh veteran and three-time champion Mark Williams with an 18-12 score in Sheffield on Monday. Draped in China’s national flag, Zhao celebrated a triumph that had long eluded Chinese players. Clearly, the win marked a turning point for the sport’s development in China.
Zhao Xintong’s World Snooker Championship win came with emotion and humility. “I can’t believe what I’ve done,” Zhao said after lifting the trophy. Indeed, he described the moment as surreal and called Williams a formidable opponent. Zhao admitted feeling nervous under the intense pressure of the final session. Nevertheless, he stayed composed and secured victory with a powerful 87-point break.
Meanwhile, social media platforms across China lit up in celebration after Zhao Xintong’s World Snooker Championship win. Fans hailed him as a new national hero and symbol of sporting progress. For example, one user described the moment as the birth of “China’s worthy snooker successor.” Moreover, many pointed out how Zhao’s victory could motivate young players to pursue the game professionally. Ultimately, the outpouring of joy reflected how long Chinese fans had waited for this breakthrough.
Previously, Ding Junhui, China’s snooker pioneer, narrowly missed the world title in 2016. In response, he congratulated Zhao on Sina Weibo with heartfelt words of pride. Ding described Zhao’s success as the fulfillment of a shared dream. Additionally, he noted that the path he once struggled to navigate had become a runway for the next generation. Zhao’s achievement, he said, belonged to all Chinese snooker fans who had believed in the dream.
During the match, Zhao dominated the early sessions, building a 17-8 lead before the final phase. Although Williams responded with four consecutive frames, he couldn’t close the gap. In the end, Zhao ended the match with an 87 break in the 30th frame. Williams praised Zhao as the sport’s future and welcomed his rise. Going forward, Zhao will enter next season ranked No 11, joining nine other Chinese players in the world’s top 32.
