From outcast to outstanding, world snooker champion Zhao Xintong's rise to greatness after betting ban

Zhao Xintong is the first player from China, and the continent of Asia, to win the snooker world championship, the most prestigious trophy in the game. 

He secured success at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Sunday evening, following an 18-12 success over Welshman Mark Williams. 

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Going into the final session with a 17-8 lead, the result appeared to be a formality, and despite a late rally from Williams, it wasn’t long before Zhao Xintong got the job done.

The 28-year-old is not only a trailblazer, but his particular story means he was an outsider who went some distance on his redemption arc. 

Xintong was embroiled in a betting scandal, receiving a 20-month ban in 2023, for his role in the conspiracy. 

While he was not directly involved in fixing matches, he was aware of arrangements and placed bets on certain games, later admitting his guilt in China and the UK, where he is now based. 

‘The Cyclone’ is still banned by China’s domestic snooker body, while his ban saw him lose his professional status, and he was banished from the elite snooker world tour. 

He will rejoin the ranks next season, reborn with his newly bestowed world champion tag. 

While the Crucible crowd voiced their appreciation for Xintong’s efforts on Sunday, it would be foolish to say he is universally supported. There will still be doubt and distrust toward the player from some pros and fans alike, that is a price he must pay for his previous misdemeanors. 

As he was interviewed live on BBC by veteran broadcaster Hazel Irvine, Xintong displayed his cool, calm persona, keeping his emotions under wraps. 

If anything, he was very humble and reserved, despite the massive achievement of going all the way in Sheffield. 

As he wrapped himself in his national flag for the trophy presentation, in receipt of a bumper £500,000 pay day, he acknowledged that his achievement is “very good for Chinese snooker.”

Xintong continued, “I’m very happy I’ve done this for them. It’s unbelievable. This is like a dream. When I shook hands with Mark [Williams] I nearly cried.”

“My first target was just to get through the qualifiers. In the future, many Chinese players can win this.” 

14/1 outside bet

As noted by the BBC’s Irvine, the Xi’an-born player had been playing for 29 days, coming all the way from the qualifying tournament to the conclusion of the 2025 world championship.

Xintong was clearly not a novice but he won four games to book his place in the main event before dispatching Jak Jones, his compatriot Lei Peifan, and then Chris Wakelin to reach the semi-final. 

He would then get the better of his hero, snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan, with a session to spare, to confirm a place in the final where he proved to be too hot for Williams to handle. 

Zhao Xintong was a 14/1 outsider who proved the doubters wrong, who came good on his undoubted ability, and provided a glimpse of what could be about to unfold in snooker. 

He surpassed expectations, leaving favoured names like Judd Trump and Mark Selby in the shade. 

On his return, Ronnie O’Sullivan couldn’t hit the heights, while veterans John Higgins and Mark Williams certainly impressed, but ultimately faltered. 

Reflecting on the champion, the runner-up Williams declared: “He’s bashed me up, bashed Ronnie [O’Sullivan] up and bashed everyone up.” 

“There’s a new superstar of the game. I’m glad I’ll be too old when he’s dominating.”

His past can’t be erased, but his future and snooker’s could be changed already. Zhao Xintong is no longer an outsider.