**Zhao Xintong’s World Title Triumph Highlights Strength Amid Ongoing Ban in China**
Zhao Xintong, one of snooker’s rising stars, has recently etched his name in the sport’s history books by becoming the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship. Clinching the prestigious title with an impressive 18-12 victory over Mark Williams at the Crucible earlier this month, Zhao’s triumph represents not only a personal milestone, but also a significant breakthrough for Asian players in the world of snooker.
Despite this momentous achievement on the global stage, Zhao continues to face restrictions in his home country. The Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) is maintaining a ban that prevents him from playing competitively within China, a situation that remains in place until 1 July 2025. This ongoing ban traces back to Zhao’s involvement in a match-fixing investigation, an episode that has cast a long shadow over his otherwise stellar career.
The original suspension, which the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) set at 30 months, was later reduced to 20 months after it was found that Zhao had placed bets on fixed matches, but crucially, had not fixed any himself. His ability to compete internationally has since been reinstated, yet China’s governing body remains firm in its decision, barring his participation at home while allowing him to shine overseas.
Since his win at Sheffield, Zhao has made no secret of his desire to compete successfully in China. Speaking to the South China Morning Post, he openly discussed his aspirations, stating his intention to one day lift a trophy on Chinese soil—a dream that still eludes him. Zhao noted, “So far, no Chinese or Asian player has managed to win a major snooker title in their homeland. It’s definitely one of my biggest ambitions, and I’m determined to make it a reality.”
His career, which took off after he relocated to England in 2016, has seen him earn respect and admiration for his powerful playing style—earning him the nickname ‘The Cyclone.’ Zhao attributes his development as a player in part to the nurturing snooker culture in Sheffield, where he has trained and competed among the sport’s elite.
Looking forward, Zhao has set his sights on upcoming opportunities. With his suspension in China set to end just before the new snooker season, he could potentially return at the Shanghai Masters scheduled for late July. Should the ban be lifted, it would afford Zhao a coveted chance to give Chinese fans a taste of his championship-winning prowess.
Aside from his personal ambitions, Zhao is acutely aware of the wider impact his victory could have on the sport’s popularity in China. “I think my win can really inspire younger generations back home,” Zhao remarked following his World Championship victory. “Seeing a Chinese player reach the very top might give others the belief that they too can achieve greatness in snooker.”
The sport continues to gain momentum across Asia, and Zhao’s historic achievement is reflected in the scheduling of further major tournaments in the region. After the Shanghai Masters, attention will turn to the Wuhan Open in August and the World Grand Prix slated for February in Hong Kong. Zhao remains determined to perform well at these events, hoping for even more success both for himself and for the sport’s growing Chinese audience.
As the new season approaches, snooker fans across the globe will be keeping a keen eye on Zhao Xintong’s next moves. His journey, underscored by resilience and ambition, suggests even greater achievements may be on the horizon—both at home and abroad. Despite the challenges he continues to face, Zhao’s legacy as a trailblazer for Asian snooker seems assured.