Zhao Xintong’s Insane Snooker Shots: A Championship Journey to Remember
On May 6, 2025, Zhao Xintong etched his name into snooker history by becoming the first Chinese and Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. His journey was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by jaw-dropping shots, a remarkable comeback story, and a display of skill that left fans and players alike in awe. Let’s dive into the highlights of Zhao’s championship run, focusing on some of his most insane shots that defined his triumph.
Zhao’s path to the title began as an amateur, having lost his professional status following a 20-month suspension for his involvement in a 2023 match-fixing scandal. He didn’t directly fix matches but admitted to being party to others doing so and betting on games. After serving his ban, which ended on September 1, 2024, Zhao returned with a vengeance, dominating the Q Tour and earning his spot in the World Championship through four grueling qualifying rounds. His run included victories over Ka Wai Cheung (10-3), Long Zehuang (10-8), Lyu Haotian (10-4), and Elliot Slessor (10-8), before he even reached the main stage.
Once at the Crucible, Zhao’s flair was on full display. He dispatched Jak Jones 10-4 in the first round and Lei Peifan 13-10 in the second, becoming the first amateur to reach the quarter-finals. His quarter-final win over Chris Wakelin (13-5) showcased his attacking style, but it was in the semi-finals against his idol, Ronnie O’Sullivan, where Zhao truly shone. He obliterated the seven-time champion 17-7, winning with a session to spare. One moment from that match had everyone talking: Zhao smashed a pocket—literally—during a powerful shot, a testament to his aggressive, fearless approach.
In the final against Mark Williams, Zhao’s shot-making reached new heights. Early in the match, he executed a stunning long pot that left commentators speechless, a shot so precise it seemed to defy physics. He controlled the first day, leading 11-6, and extended his advantage to 17-8 by the end of the third session. Williams, the oldest finalist in Crucible history at 50, fought back valiantly, winning four consecutive frames in the evening session with breaks of 101, 96, and 73. But Zhao remained unflappable. In the 30th frame, he sealed the championship with a break of 87, highlighted by a remarkable plant on a long red—a shot that epitomized his confidence and skill under pressure.
Zhao’s playing style has drawn comparisons to legends like Jimmy White for its fluidity and attacking nature. John Virgo, commentating for the BBC, called his semi-final performance “scintillating,” noting, “What a player. What a future he’s got in the game.” Williams himself praised Zhao after the final, saying, “What a potter he is. I’m glad I’ll be too old when he’s dominating the game.” Zhao’s ability to combine precision with an almost effortless swagger made his shots not just effective but thrilling to watch.
This victory wasn’t without controversy. Some fans and analysts, like snooker journalist Nick Metcalfe, expressed unease about Zhao’s return after the match-fixing scandal, feeling the celebratory narrative glossed over his past. Yet, the Crucible crowd embraced him, and his remorse—shown through early admissions and public apologies—helped him regain trust. Jason Ferguson, chairman of the WPBSA, noted that Zhao had “served his time” and followed a path back to the sport with integrity.
Zhao’s win is a landmark for Chinese snooker, a sport that has boomed in popularity in China, with 50 million players and 300,000 snooker halls. His triumph, watched by an estimated 150 million people in China, is set to inspire a new wave of players. As Zhao draped himself in the Chinese flag after his victory, he symbolized a new era for the sport in Asia. With his professional status reinstated for the 2025-26 season, starting at world number 11, Zhao is poised to dominate for years to come.
From insane long pots to a pocket-smashing break, Zhao Xintong’s 2025 World Snooker Championship run was a masterclass in skill and resilience. His story is one of redemption, talent, and breaking barriers—both on and off the table. Snooker has a new superstar, and the world can’t wait to see what he does next.
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