In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 World Snooker Championship, Zhao Xintong emerged victorious over three-time champion Mark Williams, defeating him 18-12 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. This historic win not only marks Zhao as the first Chinese world champion but also highlights the complexities surrounding his return to professional snooker after a 20-month ban for match-fixing.
At just 28 years old, Zhao’s triumph has stirred mixed reactions within the snooker community, particularly from fellow players like Shaun Murphy. Murphy, the 2022 Masters champion, voiced his frustrations regarding two contentious issues surrounding Zhao’s victory and the World Snooker Tour (WST) regulations. "What is a new thing is WST's decision – a staggering decision, a jaw-dropping decision – to totally ignore the wording of their own contract," Murphy stated on his OneFourSeven Snooker Podcast. He emphasized that the regulations clearly outline how amateur players should be treated, raising questions about Zhao's rapid ascension in the rankings.
Despite his ban, Zhao was allowed to compete as an amateur, and his recent performances have propelled him into the top 16, landing him at number 11 thanks to the conversion of his £500,000 prize money into ranking points. Murphy expressed concern over this decision, stating, "This is about World Snooker Tour riding roughshod over our players' contract, which we renegotiated in good faith and signed in good faith. And they've just decided to ignore it and rewrite it as they see fit." Murphy’s frustration reflects a broader sentiment among players who feel that the integrity of the sport is at stake.
In response to Murphy's comments, the WST defended their position, stating, "The principle clearly established in snooker is that amateurs can earn prize money and ranking points in the same way that professionals do, and there are many precedents for this." They acknowledged that the wording in the contract could have been clearer but maintained that Zhao earned his ranking points on merit.
Another point of contention is Zhao's eligibility to compete despite still being under a ban from the Chinese snooker federation until July 2025. Murphy pointed out that Zhao's participation in the Crucible and his ability to compete in the upcoming season raises questions about the standards of governance in snooker. "It seemed fairly black and white to most of us that he wasn't in good standing with his national governing body. There are lots of other players that this has and does and will apply to. You have to be in good standing," he argued.
The WPBSA responded to Murphy's concerns, explaining that they follow best practices in sports governance and that serious cases are heard by an Independent Tribunal. They confirmed that they had clarified Zhao's status with the Chinese authorities before allowing him to compete, stating, "Whilst the China Sports Authorities may have the ability to implement further sanctions in their own territory, they also recognize the WPBSA's authority as a global sport." This response has yet to quell the concerns of many in the snooker community.
As Zhao revels in his historic win, he has hinted at how he might spend his substantial prize money. He mentioned a fondness for watches, saying, "But I do like watches - different brands, too." However, his manager, Victoria Shi, has cautioned him to remain grounded in light of his newfound wealth. She remarked, "Let him enjoy [the prize money]. But if he enjoys it too much, I will tell him off." Shi's comments reflect a concern echoed by many in the sport, particularly after witnessing the pitfalls faced by previous champions like Luca Brecel, whose lavish spending following his own Crucible victory in 2023 led to a rapid decline in performance.
Brecel has openly lamented his spending habits, stating, "I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire." His situation serves as a cautionary tale for Zhao as he navigates the challenges of fame and fortune in the world of snooker. Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has also weighed in, questioning Brecel's dedication to the sport post-victory and emphasizing the need for players to respect the game.
As Zhao prepares for the next chapter of his career, the snooker community watches closely. His remarkable journey from a ban to world champion is inspiring, yet fraught with challenges that extend beyond the table. With the ongoing debates about governance and player conduct, Zhao's story is emblematic of the evolving landscape of professional snooker.
As the dust settles on this year’s championship, the implications of Zhao’s victory will likely resonate throughout the sport for years to come. The controversies surrounding his win and the subsequent reactions from peers like Murphy highlight the delicate balance of competition, governance, and integrity in snooker. With the new season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Zhao Xintong as he seeks to establish himself not just as a champion, but as a respected figure in the world of snooker.
