It has been a long time coming. On May 5th, a soft-spoken, left-handed 28-year-old named Zhao Xintong raised the famed trophy in the legendary Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, and was crowned the men’s snooker champion of the world. He defeated a three-time winner, Mark Williams, by 18 frames to 12, thereby pocketing £500,000 ($660,000) in prize money. “This is going to take snooker to another level,” Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (wpbsa), told the BBC.
Zhao’s victory marks a significant moment not just for him but for Chinese snooker as a whole, as he becomes the first player from China to win the World Snooker Championship. This achievement has led many to speculate that he could dominate the sport for years to come, potentially challenging legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan for the number of titles won. “If he plays anything like he did en route to winning his first world title in future Crucible events, the potter will stand a very good chance,” noted an observer.
The celebrations for Zhao have been nothing short of spectacular. Upon returning to China on May 8, he was greeted by thousands of fans eager to celebrate his historic achievement. His manager shared a picture of him arriving at the airport, humorously wishing he could escape the fanfare before the new season begins in August.
In the aftermath of Zhao’s triumph, the snooker world continues to bask in the glow of his achievement. The 2025 World Snooker Championship broke records, with the competition streamed a record-breaking 29 million times across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app. On television, the Championship was viewed a total of 12.6 million times across BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC Four, with three million tuning in to watch the final on BBC Two.
However, not all is rosy in the world of snooker. Following Zhao’s victory, there are ongoing discussions about the future of the sport and its governance. Shaun Murphy has voiced concerns about Zhao’s inclusion in the tournament, given his past suspension due to involvement in match-fixing. Murphy remarked, “There is an argument being made that he didn’t do his time. That’s a big problem for a lot of people.”
Meanwhile, Mark Williams, who recently finished as runner-up, is quickly moving on to his next challenge. He confirmed his intention to compete at the World Seniors Championship next year, showing no signs of slowing down after his recent performance.
In the midst of these developments, Ronnie O'Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, has made headlines for his decision to change his cue's tip and ferrule during his semi-final match against Zhao. O'Sullivan's drastic move surprised many, and he ultimately lost that match decisively, raising questions about the impact of such changes during critical moments.
Martin Chesworth, the cue expert who performed the emergency alterations, praised O'Sullivan’s conduct, calling him “the perfect customer.” Chesworth noted that O'Sullivan was friendly and appreciative, despite the pressure of the situation. However, the decision to alter his equipment during the match has drawn scrutiny, with some questioning whether it contributed to his defeat.
As the dust settles on the World Championship, Zhao Xintong’s future looks bright, but he has been reminded by his manager to stay grounded after his significant win. Victoria Shi advised him to enjoy his prize money but warned against excessive spending. Zhao has expressed interest in treating himself to luxury watches, a hint at how he plans to enjoy his hard-earned winnings.
Despite the excitement surrounding Zhao’s victory, the snooker community is also facing challenges. Matthew Selt has been removed from his position as a director of the WPBSA due to a previous suspension, and there are ongoing discussions about the sport's governance and the implications of Zhao’s return to competition.
The potential for snooker to be included in the 2032 Olympics is also on the table, as Jason Ferguson, head of the WPBSA, has expressed interest in pursuing this opportunity. “There’s a lot of politics involved, but the size of snooker and how important China is to the IOC, someone has to look at this and say this is now snooker’s time,” Ferguson stated.
As fans and players alike reflect on the 2025 World Snooker Championship, the spotlight remains firmly on Zhao Xintong. His remarkable journey from a young player in China to world champion is a testament to his talent and dedication. Whether he can maintain this momentum and add to his title count remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the world of snooker is watching closely.
In conclusion, Zhao Xintong’s victory is not just a personal triumph; it symbolizes a new era for snooker, particularly for Chinese players. With the potential for more players emerging from China and the ongoing evolution of the sport, fans can look forward to an exciting future. As Zhao embarks on his next chapter, the snooker community eagerly anticipates what’s next for this rising star.
