New World Snooker Champion Zhao Xintong has been greeted by thousands of people upon his arrival back home at Shenzhen Airport in China.
The 28-year-old created history on Monday night at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield as he defeated three-time champion Mark Williams 18-12 in the final to become the first Asian winner of snooker’s blue riband event.
The title-securing result marked the end of a marathon campaign for Zhao who had to win nine consecutive matches - starting in the very first qualifying round - en route to glory. No player has ever come through so many games in lifting the iconic trophy.
Zhao was competing in this year’s Championship as an invited amateur due to his achievements on the Q Tour - snooker’s secondary circuit - where he won four successive events, finished top of the rankings, and reclaimed his full-time professional tour card from next season.
This followed a 20-month ban from the circuit for his part in the match-fixing scandal that rocked the sport during the 2022/23 campaign. Prior to that, Zhao was one of snooker’s hottest properties having won two ranking events - including the very prestigious UK Championship - and risen to number six in the world rankings.
For Zhao, his 2025 World Snooker Championship title tilt started on the afternoon of Monday 7th April at the English Institute of Sport with the first session of his round one qualifying match against Ka Wai Cheung, and it ended on the evening of Monday 5th May at the Crucible as he potted the winning balls against Williams.
Let flags and dreams fly high! 🇨🇳
— Vic Snooker Academy (@Vics_Snooker) May 6, 2025
A beautiful short film we created to celebrate Zhao Xintong’s journey to become World Snooker Champion.
Beautiful 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Qp2YOfA8KB
Despite the awkward time difference, it has been reported that approximately 150 million people in China tuned in to watch Zhao’s crowning glory. He is only the third qualifier to have gone all the way at the Crucible - after Terry Griffiths (1979) and Shaun Murphy (2005) - and he is the youngest to win the title since Murphy two decades ago.
No amateur player had previously been to the quarter-finals at the famous venue.
It is understood that the World Championship table - that was signed by Zhao shortly after the final - will be transported to the World Billiards Museum in Yushan, China where it will be displayed.
Following a busy night of media engagements and the post-tournament party, Zhao - who only had a few hours sleep - returned to the Crucible on Tuesday morning to meet hundreds of fans.
Since turning professional for the first time in 2016 as a 19-year-old, Zhao has lived in Sheffield, and his practice base is Victoria’s Snooker Academy in the city, only a short walk from the Crucible.
Speaking at the Academy to The Yorkshire Post Zhao said: “It feels amazing and I still can’t believe it. It’s a very important moment for my career.
“I can’t believe that I have gone 28 days in the World Championship. Before the first match I just wanted to reach the Crucible, that was my target.
“This season I only played a few matches. I have come back very quickly, so I just tried my best. I can’t believe I reached the final and got the trophy.
Looking back at his final win over Mark Williams, Zhao said: “I was so nervous. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. It feels like a dream.”
“When we shook hands I was nearly crying. It's very good for Chinese snooker and I am happy I have done this for the people there. I hope it will give power to the young players.
“I don't know how I have played so well here, I didn't believe I could become World Champion this year, I am so proud of myself. I will take the trophy home to China and show it to my parents and friends.”
Zhao arrived at Shenzhen Airport in his homeland on Thursday where there was a huge media presence.
This is a short video of Zhao Xintong’s arrival at Shenzhen airport. 🇨🇳
— Vic Snooker Academy (@Vics_Snooker) May 8, 2025
He is the first World Snooker Champion from China and practises at Victoria’s Snooker Academy in Sheffield during the season pic.twitter.com/g94M0g4Q5L
National hero Zhao will be back permanently on the World Snooker Tour from next season, with that 2025/26 campaign set to start in several weeks time.
Having collected the £500,000 top prize in Sheffield, Zhao - who started the event without a ranking - zips all the way up to number 11 in the world rankings. However, as the sport’s reigning World Champion, Zhao will be seeded at least number two for most of next season’s competitions anyway.
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