**Zhao Xintong Urged to Stay Grounded After Historic Snooker Triumph and £500,000 Prize**
Zhao Xintong’s meteoric rise to the pinnacle of world snooker has not only rewritten sporting history but also transformed his life overnight—both on and off the table. The 28-year-old became the first Asian player to secure the World Snooker Championship title after an exceptional display against Welsh veteran Mark Williams at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. In light of this achievement, his manager, Victoria Shi, has voiced a note of caution regarding the sudden influx of wealth and the temptations that may follow.
Zhao’s victory, watched by an estimated 150 million people in China, cements his position as a trailblazer in the sport, with legions of new fans. He sealed the championship after an 18-12 triumph over Williams. This victory followed another memorable performance, in which Zhao convincingly dispatched the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan 17-7 in the semi-final—a result that made snooker headlines around the world.
Naturally, such landmark success brings both plaudits and new opportunities. Zhao collected a cool £500,000 in prize money, with additional sponsorship and endorsement deals in the pipeline, particularly from his homeland, where his profile has soared since his title win. Yet, it isn’t all celebration and extravagance for the new champion, as his long-time manager and mentor, Victoria Shi, is determined to keep him grounded.
Shi, who also heads the Sheffield-based snooker academy where Zhao has honed his skills for nearly a decade, joined him in celebrating the landmark victory. However, she was quick to state that her role extended beyond congratulations. Speaking candidly, Shi remarked, “Let him enjoy [the prize money], but if he enjoys it too much, I will tell him off. It’s a massive achievement, but my responsibility is to make sure Zhao remains humble and focused amidst the whirlwind of attention.”
Amidst celebrations, it is impossible to ignore Zhao’s turbulent journey to triumph. His reputation was marred by controversy in 2023 after receiving a 20-month suspension from professional snooker over misconduct linked to a match-fixing investigation. Though Zhao was found guilty of betting on matches and failing to report an incident where a fellow player deliberately lost, he was not personally implicated in fixing matches himself. The suspension forced him to rebuild his career, re-entering top-level competition as an amateur via the Q Tour.
Reflecting on these struggles, Shi believes adversity has instilled greater resilience in Zhao. In a show of tough love, she told him, “You didn’t kill anyone, and you haven’t lost your arms and legs. You made the biggest mistake of your life—now learn from it and grow stronger.” Her belief is that this difficult period has been transformative for the rising star, reinforcing his character and drive.
Zhao’s journey from disgrace to redemption has resonated with fans and fellow players alike. His tenacity and talent saw him rise through the ranks quickly, culminating in this year’s stunning World Championship victory as an amateur, a feat that has propelled him firmly back into the top 16 global rankings. Such meteoric progress is seldom seen in the world of snooker, and it has reignited interest in the sport within Asia, particularly China.
In the wake of his success, eyes will remain fixed firmly on Zhao—both in terms of his on-table performances and his ability to handle fame and fortune with maturity. With Victoria Shi by his side, determined to guide rather than simply celebrate, Zhao’s future looks promising, provided he balances his newfound wealth with the discipline that led him to snooker glory.
For observers and fans, Zhao’s story stands not just as a tale of sporting success, but as a powerful account of redemption, resilience, and the ongoing challenge of adjusting to sudden stardom. As the new champion transitions into his elevated status, the snooker world will be watching closely to see if Zhao can build on his legacy—on and off the green baize.