**Mark Williams Challenges O’Sullivan’s Stance as Zhao Xintong’s Rise Ignites Snooker Debate**
Snooker legend Mark Williams has weighed in on the sport’s current direction, expressing strong support for World Championship winner Zhao Xintong and positioning himself in disagreement with Ronnie O’Sullivan’s scepticism about the need for new breakout stars in snooker. This development comes in the wake of increasing comparisons between the rise of new snooker talent and the meteoric ascent of young darts sensation Luke Littler.
Following his defeat in the Crucible final, Williams was effusive in his praise for Zhao. The 28-year-old Chinese player, fresh from a two-year suspension for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, stunned the snooker world by storming through the qualifiers and ultimately securing the World Championship. Williams described Zhao’s achievement as “an incredible story,” stressing the significance of his comeback given the adversity he has faced.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Williams commented, “To do what Zhao has done, after being out for two years, coming back and pretty much defeating everyone in his path, it’s just unbelievable. I’ve not got enough flattering words for him; he plays brilliantly, is tremendous to watch, and makes the game look effortless. He truly deserves all the success that comes his way.”
Williams went on to draw an explicit link between snooker and darts, referencing how Luke Littler, despite his youth, has helped revitalise the latter sport’s public profile. Williams acknowledged that Zhao, though 10 years Littler’s senior, possesses the dynamism needed to re-energise snooker’s appeal, particularly to younger audiences. “I think everyone needs to get behind him, because he really could challenge the likes of Judd Trump or Kyren Wilson. We need someone like him—someone whose style inspires and excites. It’s good for the sport,” Williams remarked.
However, this opinion is at odds with that of seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan remains unconvinced that snooker can emulate the surge in interest seen in darts, arguing that the skillsets and mental demands are fundamentally different. Distinguishing between the two disciplines, O’Sullivan stated, “In darts, once you’ve mastered your action, the technical demands are consistent. In snooker, every shot can pose new challenges. Here at the Crucible, matches can last for up to ten hours—completely unlike an hour or two in darts. The sports just aren’t comparable.”
Notably, another snooker icon, Stephen Hendry—himself a seven-time world champion—has spoken in support of Williams’ perspective. Hendry has previously observed, particularly on the ‘Snooker Club’ podcast, that snooker could benefit from the injection of fresh, youthful talent in the same way as darts. “It would do snooker good to have a superstar teenager—a true genius, possibly from China—just as darts has with Littler,” Hendry commented. He went on to highlight upcoming European prospects such as Stan Moody, noting that breaking through at this level can require considerable fortune as well as exceptional skill.
The debate over snooker’s future direction appears poised to continue, with contrasting visions from some of its most significant figures. Williams and Hendry propose that the sport is in need of a charismatic, headline-grabbing player to elevate its status in the global sporting consciousness. Meanwhile, O’Sullivan’s stance remains rooted in tradition, focusing on the unique strategic rigours and qualities that set snooker apart.
Amidst this backdrop, Zhao Xintong’s journey from suspension to world champion serves as both inspiration and focal point for these discussions. As snooker faces the challenges of sustaining its profile amid changing sporting tastes, many are now looking to Zhao and other emerging talents to lead the sport towards a brighter, more captivating future.
While opinions within the snooker elite remain divided, the remarkable narrative surrounding Zhao’s comeback has certainly sparked renewed interest and debate—not just about who can dominate the tables, but about what direction the sport ought to take in an ever-evolving world of sports entertainment. For many fans and observers alike, Zhao’s rise is a testament to the enduring capacity of snooker for drama, redemption, and transformation.