Dave Hendon: Zhao Xintong has opportunity to become bona fide snooker superstar after World Championship 2025 triumph
By Dave Hendon
Published 06/05/2025 at 10:34 GMT+1
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Following Zhao Xintong's historic World Snooker Championship triumph to become the first Chinese player and first player with amateur status in the Crucible era to lift the coveted crown, Dave Hendon has explained to TNT Sports what it could mean for the 28-year-old. Snooker expert Hendon has backed Zhao for more success, and claimed he can become a "bona fide snooker superstar".
'Seen something very special' - Zhao clinches title with thrilling win over Williams
Video credit: TNT Sports
On Zhao Xintong’s eighth birthday, the TV set in the background was showing a snooker match. It was April 3, 2005, and Ding Junhui was beating Stephen Hendry to win the China Open.
Something about the colours, the game and Ding captivated young Zhao. Here we are, 20 years on, and he is world champion.
These days, Zhao lives in Sheffield, very close to the Crucible, but in many ways he has travelled the furthest of any player to triumph there.
When he broke through by winning the UK Championship title in 2021, he was hailed as a new star, but 18 months later was suspended for his part in the match-fixing scandal involving 10 Chinese players.
Zhao was not charged with fixing any matches, but his two-year suspension for betting on games meant he lost his tour card and was forced to make a decision – find something else to do, or start again at the bottom of the ladder.
He swallowed his pride and entered the Q Tour, a series of amateur events played in snooker clubs.
This was a world away from the bright lights of the Crucible or Alexandra Palace, but he instantly reminded us all what a dazzling talent he is, losing only one match across five events and compiling two maximum breaks.
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'Has there ever been a more fearless potter?' - Zhao sinks pair of amazing reds against Williams
Video credit: TNT Sports
This secured him a return to the professional circuit from next season and entry into the UK Championship, where he qualified before losing to Shaun Murphy, and the World Championship.
Zhao lined up with all the other hopefuls on the first day of qualifying at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on April 7. He made a century break in his very first frame and then another in his second.
By the time he had won his fourth and final qualifying round match, he had already made 12 tons in the competition.
At the Crucible, where nerves are supposed to play a part, he looked relaxed against Jak Jones, last year’s runner-up, and beat him 10-4.
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He held off a late rally from compatriot Lei Peifan, winning their second round match 13-10, and swamped Chris Wakelin 13-5 in the quarter-finals.
That set up a meeting in the semis with his idol, Ronnie O’Sullivan. Sentiment was set aside as O’Sullivan struggled with various cue issues but mainly with the confidence, talent and poise of his opponent.
Zhao went on the rampage in the second session, winning all eight frames to pull away to a 12-4 lead and won the match with a session to spare, 17-7.
Mark Williams could not get going early in the final but Zhao was ready and took command. At no stage did he let up, soaking up the pressure and seemingly loving every minute. Even a late Williams surge on the last night could not rattle him.
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'It is very, very big pressure' - Zhao thrilled to be crowned world champion
Video credit: TNT Sports
His sensational return to the big time now wipes the slate clean. Zhao, though not blameless, was sucked into a culture where older players held sway over the younger brigade, who had moved to the UK away from parental control and left to their own devices.
Let’s be clear, Zhao did something wrong. He should have more fully apologised for his actions. However, that is in the past.
Everyone deserves a second chance to put right what has gone before. With his, Zhao has created history by becoming China’s first world champion. He now has the opportunity to become a bona fide snooker superstar.
He has an easy manner, often answering questions with a smile on his face. His swagger is understated. He clearly knows how good he is but manages to retain some humility.
Audiences find this eye-catching potter irresistible as he drains long red after long red, gliding the cue ball around the table with a beautiful touch. He may be the best player ever at getting perfect splits of the pack.
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'Just too good' - Zhao counters Williams safety with brilliant pot
Video credit: TNT Sports
Williams, who proved yet again what a wonderful competitor he is, was born just before the UK snooker boom of the 1980s, leaving him the right age to take advantage of it.
Similarly, Zhao was born in 1997, eight years before Ding’s China Open success, a moment which marked a turning point for snooker as a professional sport.
Ding’s breakthrough led to massive state investment and a conveyor belt of Chinese players turned pro with mixed success. Now, they have a world champion.
This does not mark the end for the historic British dominance of the game, but it puts it on notice.
We could look back on Zhao’s victory as the point the power shifted away from the traditional UK heartlands, even though the World Championship is very likely to remain in Britain for several years yet.
Most of all, though, the 2025 edition of this great tournament marks the redemption story of Zhao Xintong himself. We’ve all done stupid things. What we hope for is the opportunity to atone.
Zhao has done that in style. In this, one of the most memorable of World Championships, his victory should be celebrated for the huge achievement it is.
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