Watch: Zhao Xintong mobbed by delighted fans as new world snooker champion makes hero's return to China – 'My life is about to change'

React to this story

Zhao Xintong began life as snooker's historic first world champion from China and Asia by being mobbed by delighted fans after flying home to his home city of Shenzhen on Thursday. Zhao won the UK Championship in 2021, but admitted that his 18-12 victory over Mark Williams at the Crucible was a career-defining moment. "The World Championship is the most important one," he said.

'Seen something very special' - Zhao clinches title with thrilling win over Williams

Video credit: TNT Sports

Zhao Xintong is set to make his first competitive appearance as China and Asia's first world champion when he competes at the invitational Shanghai Masters this summer.

Judging by the welcome he received from fans of the sport upon his arrival home at Shenzhen Airport on Thursday, the scramble to watch Zhao in action is likely to be the hottest ticket in town.

Zhao, 28, became only the fourth qualifier in the modern era, after Alex Higgins (1972), Terry Griffiths (1979) and Shaun Murphy (2005), to claim the sport's biggest prize with an 18-12 win over Mark Williams in the 49th world final.

Halo World Championship

'I learned from it' - Zhao set for hero's return to China after Crucible redemption

07/05/2025 at 12:22

It was the third ranking event triumph of his career following his wins at the UK Championship in 2021 and German Masters in 2022.

Zhao was ranked world No. 6 before he was banned for 20 months after his involvement in the sport's biggest match-fixing scandal in 2023, but claimed the £500,000 first prize at the Crucible after booking his return to the main circuit as an amateur via a first-placed finish on the Q Tour Europe ranking list.

He will start next season as world No. 11 after becoming the 24th Crucible winner since the World Championship first went to Sheffield in 1977.

"I can feel that my life is about to change," Zhao told The Times after producing 18 centuries on his way to winning nine matches in the qualifiers at the English Institute of Sport and the main stages at the Crucible.

"It changed a little after I won the UK Championship, but I think this is very different because the World Championship is the most important one.

"No Asian person has done this before. It’s a huge moment for my career.

"It was a very hard time [his absence from the sport] but I kept practising four times a week so that when I came back I would be a better player.

"I think when I did, mentally I was much stronger than before. I’m definitely stronger than two years ago. It has been helpful for my career."

'Has there ever been a more fearless potter?' - Zhao sinks pair of amazing reds against Williams

Video credit: TNT Sports

Zhao's road to Crucible glory

Last 144: defeated Cheung Ka Wai (HK) 10-3
Last 112: defeated Long Zehuang (Chn) 10-8
Last 80: defeated Lyu Haotian (Chn) 10-4
Last 48: defeated Elliot Slessor (Eng) 10-8
Last 32: defeated Jak Jones (Wal) 10-4
Last 16: defeated Lei Peifan (Chn) 13-10
Quarter-finals: defeated Chris Wakelin (Eng) 13-5
Semi-finals: defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 17-7
Final: defeated Mark Williams (Wal) 18-12

- - -

Watch and stream top snooker action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+

Halo World Championship

Could snooker feature at 2032 Olympics?

06/05/2025 at 18:28

Halo World Championship

Zhao can become bona fide snooker superstar - Hendon

06/05/2025 at 10:34