**Zhao Xintong’s World Snooker Triumph Overshadowed by Betting Ban: BBC Pundits Speak Out**
Zhao Xintong’s recent World Snooker Championship win has stirred both celebration and controversy, as pundits and fans reflect on the Chinese star’s return to glory following a high-profile ban. The 28-year-old claimed his first world title with an 18-12 victory over Welsh veteran Mark Williams, becoming the event’s first Asian champion. Despite this historic accomplishment, Zhao’s past 20-month suspension for betting offences remains a persistent issue for the sport’s image.
Former world champion and prominent BBC pundit Steve Davis did not shy away from addressing the murky backdrop to Zhao’s achievements. Speaking after the final, Davis labelled the ban a “stain” on the player’s record. “I think we should celebrate his World Championship win, not only because he plays breathtaking snooker, but because of the journey he’s been on. That said, the blip – it’s a stain on his CV. Hopefully, the lesson has been learned, by all players, not just him,” Davis emphasised. He further stated his belief in second chances, acknowledging that Zhao had seized his fortuitous return with outstanding form.
The match itself proved to be a gripping affair. Zhao managed to stave off a spirited comeback attempt by Mark Williams, with Williams attempting to rally from a hefty deficit but ultimately falling short. Despite the disappointment, Williams remained gracious, even describing Zhao as possibly “the greatest potter he has seen”.
John Parrott, another respected voice on the BBC panel, echoed Davis’ sentiment, underlining that Zhao’s case presented an opportunity for redemption. “It’s a second chance, and he’s totally redeemed himself. He did the crime, he’s had the time, he held his hand up, and the association handled it fairly. Here he is, he’s come back and I don’t believe he’ll ever put himself in that position again,” Parrott reflected. Parrott was quick to praise the handling of the scandal, noting that two of Zhao’s compatriots received lifetime bans for their roles in the wider match-fixing investigation.
Zhao’s 2023 suspension came amid a wider probe that rocked the snooker community, involving ten players in total – some, like Zhao, receiving suspension and others lifetime exclusion from the sport. In Zhao’s case, he was not found guilty of deliberately fixing matches, but admitted to associations with those who had, as well as betting on matches himself. This account of events has been closely watched by both fans and authorities, raising broader questions about ethics and oversight in professional snooker.
Despite the controversy, Davis remains optimistic about the future, using Zhao as a symbol of the game’s growing international influence. “You see the quality of Zhao Xintong; it’s the future and the shape of things to come. Not just from China – more players are emerging from across Europe as well. The sport is slowly diversifying, and snooker will be healthier for it.” He added that the UK continues to nurture top talent, ensuring a competitive future for the sport on a global stage.
Zhao himself addressed his suspension in November, candidly calling it “a little mistake”. He took personal responsibility for the actions that led to his ban, emphasising the lessons learnt and his newfound appreciation for the game. “Two years ago I made a little mistake, now I’ve come back. I know how important snooker is to me and now I just want to come back to the snooker table. Let them know this is a big lesson. Don’t make the mistake – play snooker, it’s a very good thing.”
For all the positive talk of redemption, BBC pundits Davis and Parrott made clear that Zhao’s error should not be forgotten – either by him or the wider snooker community. His journey, therefore, stands as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the sport’s ability to offer second chances.
As the dust settles on this year’s championship, the conversation about discipline, integrity, and opportunity within snooker looks set to continue. Zhao’s victory could herald a new era for the sport, one that values both immense talent and personal responsibility in equal measure.