Chinese champion! Zhao Xintong takes world snooker crown

Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship with a victory over three-times winner Mark Williams at the Crucible Theatre on Monday, the latest chapter in Zhao's remarkable rise.

The 28-year-old won by 18 frames to 12 to become the first amateur to win the world title, despite a spirited comeback attempt from Williams.

"I can't believe what I've done. It's very exciting," said Zhao, draped in a Chinese flag. "I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best.

"It's a very special moment for me, for Chinese snooker, for everyone."

The Chinese player, who lives just a 10-minute walk from the Crucible venue, took an 11-6 overnight lead into Monday's third session.

While Zhao looked completely unflappable and kept smiling throughout the afternoon session, Williams struggled for accuracy and appeared powerless to stop his opponent from taking a seemingly unassailable 17-8 lead, meaning Zhao needed to win just one frame in the evening final to claim the world title.

But a free-wheeling Williams made things interesting by winning the evening's first four frames with a flurry of excellent shots before the younger player answered in the fifth to secure victory

Zhao had swept aside seven-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals to set up what was billed as the coronation of a new snooker king.

Zhao banked a cheque for $664,000 with Monday's victory.

Extraordinary

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. 

Zhao's appearance in the final of the men's World Snooker Championship - the sport's most prestigious tournament - was only the second by a Chinese player. In 2016, Ding Junhui lost 18-14 to Englishman Mark Selby.

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.

Wave

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, with Bai Yulu winning last year's World Women's Snooker Championship aged 20. She defends her trophy later this month.