Zhao Xintong: Is China about to have its first male world snooker champion?

In the traditionally British-dominated world of snooker, China has emerged as a dynamic new force, producing a wave of top-level talent. 

Leading the charge is Zhao Xintong - a bold, creative, and naturally gifted player whose rise to the top levels of the sport marks a turning point not only in his personal journey, but in the global evolution of snooker.

Born on April 3, 1997, in Xi'an, Zhao showed extraordinary promise from a young age. 

His silky cue action, lightning-quick play, and fearless break-building caught the attention of the global snooker community. 

By his teenage years, he was already competing in major amateur events and earning praise from icons of the game. 

Ronnie O'Sullivan - widely considered the greatest snooker player of all time - famously described Zhao as "one of the best talents to ever come out of China."

Turning professional in 2016, Zhao's early career showed flashes of brilliance. While he was still refining his consistency, his natural talent was undeniable. 

In 2021, everything came together spectacularly when he claimed the prestigious UK Championship - one of snooker's Triple Crown events - with a dominant 10–5 win over Luca Brecel. 

It was a breakthrough moment that cemented his status as a major contender on the world stage.

Zhao followed this with another exceptional performance at the 2022 German Masters, where he dismantled fellow Chinese star Yan Bingtao 9–0 in the final - a rare whitewash in a two-session ranking event. That result placed him among the sport's elite and underscored his ability to dominate at the highest level.

This week, Zhao achieved another historic milestone by reaching the final of the World Snooker Championship - the sport's most prestigious tournament. 

He became only the second Chinese man to do so, following Ding Junhui's landmark appearance in 2016. 

Zhao's path to the final was marked by sensational play, including a semi-final victory over seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan. That match featured a stunning 8–0 session - one of the most commanding performances seen at the Crucible in recent memory.

What sets Zhao apart is not just his technical prowess, but his style. He plays with freedom, confidence, and flair, often choosing bold attacking options over safety. 

Fans love his rhythm and spontaneity, while purists admire his cue ball control and precision. He also brings personality to the table - quite literally - as seen when he wore a bow tie featuring Chimchar, a Pokémon character, during the 2025 World Championship. 

It was a light-hearted yet symbolic gesture: Zhao is part of a new generation bringing color and youth to a traditionally conservative sport.

Zhao's rise is part of a broader wave of Chinese excellence in snooker. For the past decade, China has invested heavily in the sport - building training academies, hosting ranking events, and supporting young talent. 

That effort has paid off, not just in the men's game but also among women.

The success of Chinese women's snooker is accelerating. Players like Bai Yulu have made international headlines with their performances. 

At just 19 years old, Bai reached the final of the 2023 World Women's Snooker Championship, narrowly losing in a thrilling decider. Her strong tactical game and mental resilience reflect the same attributes found in Zhao's best performances.

The following year Bai Yulu was crowned world champion, ollowing a thrilling 6-5 victory against Mink Nutcharut in her home country.

China now boasts a growing pipeline of young players - male and female - who are not just participating, but challenging for titles. 

The development of women's snooker in China is especially notable, with increased visibility, grassroots support, and international success. 

While figures like Reanne Evans and Mink Nutcharut have long dominated, Chinese players are quickly catching up and reshaping the landscape.

Zhao's position in this new era is central. He represents the success of a generation raised on structured training, competitive exposure, and an ambition to redefine the global balance of the sport. 

His triumphs are not isolated victories, but part of a collective surge that is shifting snooker's center of gravity eastward.

As he continues his journey, Zhao remains a beacon of promise - not just for Chinese snooker, but for the sport itself. 

Elegant, intelligent, and utterly original, Zhao Xintong is a player of his time: shaped by tradition, driven by innovation, and poised to lead snooker into its next global chapter.

Within days, he could be world champion.