Zhao Xintong wants to win snooker trophy in China but is banned from playing in country

 World snooker champion Zhao Xintong has spoken about his ambition to win a home tournament in China, but he is still banned from competing in the country.

World snooker champion Zhao Xintong is banned from competing in China

New World snooker champion Zhao Xintong is currently unable to fulfil his ambition of winning a tournament in China due to his ongoing ban. The 28-year-old became the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible earlier this month, but is still banned from competing on home soil.

The world championship was only Zhao’s second professional tournament after returning from suspension as part of a match-fixing investigation involving 10 players, dating back to January 2023. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) reduced his initial 30-month ban to 20 months after it was found that, while he had knowingly placed bets on fixed games, he had not personally fixed any matches. Despite being able to compete worldwide, the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) stuck to the original ban, meaning Zhao is still not allowed to compete in China until July 1, 2025.

Zhao has spent time in his homeland since his World Snooker Championship triumph, and has spoken of his determination to build on his success next season. As a former UK Open winner, Zhao is now a Masters win away from achieving the coveted Triple Crown, and is also keen to win a trophy on Chinese soil.

“No Chinese or Asian player has been able to embroider that little crown on their waistcoat so far,” Zhao told the South China Morning Post. “So I think this is one of my goals. I will do my best to play well in every match and tournament, but I want to hoist a trophy in China – this is something I have yet to do.

“I am also looking forward to playing in the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong next year. I want to achieve good results here, preferably winning it, and I’d be very happy.”

Fortunately for Zhao, his suspension will be up once the new snooker season comes around. One of the earliest events in the snooker calendar is the Shanghai Masters (July 28-August 3), which could allow Zhao to fulfil his dream at the first opportunity.

Zhao has lived in England since 2016 and has previously spoken about how moving to Sheffield benefited his career. However, ‘The Cyclone’ believes his world title win could have a far-reaching impact on the sport’s future in China.

Zhao Xintong defeated Mark Williams 18-12 to win the world championship

“I haven’t quite thought about what’s different for me as a player after winning the World Championship,” Zhao continued. “Everything is just starting and I am convinced that there is more to come, and I have to do more and bring glory to China.

“The win was also a breakthrough for snooker in China – because this had not been done before by any Chinese player, I think the younger generation will now be more confident and motivated.”

A few weeks after the Shanghai Masters, the snooker schedule will return to China for the Wuhan Open (August 24-30). Zhao also spoke about his excitement regarding next year's World Grand Prix, which will be held from February 3-8 in Hong Kong.