**Zhao Xintong Earns Widespread Acclaim as First Asian Snooker World Champion**
Zhao Xintong has broken new ground in the world of snooker, emerging from the Crucible Theatre as the very first Asian player to secure the World Snooker Championship title. The 28-year-old star from China won over both fans and fellow professionals with his impressive performance, notably dispatching greats such as Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams on his way to lifting the coveted trophy.
The reception to Zhao’s remarkable achievement has been universal, with tributes arriving from across the sport. In particular, fellow professional Elliot Slessor, who nearly thwarted Zhao’s progress in a tightly fought qualifying match, has singled out the new champion for his exceptional abilities. Slessor had faced Zhao at the English Institute of Sport – in what is commonly referred to as Judgement Day – pushing the eventual winner to the limit before falling 10-8.
Slessor’s post-match appraisal was emphatic. Taking to social media, he stated: “I’ve played them all, and nobody pots balls like this kid.” He highlighted Zhao’s remarkable consistency with difficult long shots, describing his skill as “staggering,” and went on to congratulate both Zhao and Victoria’s Snooker Academy for their part in his development. Such high praise carries weight coming from Slessor, a seasoned competitor who has faced the very best in the business.
The tournament itself produced no shortage of drama and upsets. Zhao’s path to glory included a stunning semi-final performance where he dethroned his mentor Ronnie O’Sullivan, clinching a decisive 17-7 victory. In the final, he maintained his composure to defeat Welsh veteran Mark Williams 18-12, demonstrating not just technical skill but the psychological fortitude required at snooker’s highest level.
Observers have noted that Zhao’s clear-minded, ultra-clinical approach sets him apart from his contemporaries. Against Mark Williams in the climactic match, the difference was evident: whereas Williams let chances slip, Zhao was merciless in converting opportunities, even when faced with tough situations. His unwavering focus under pressure marks him out as a truly distinctive talent in the sport.
Judd Trump, another top contender and bookmakers’ favourite entering the tournament, managed a record-breaking season for century breaks. Yet, for all his dominant form, Trump came unstuck in the semi-finals, testament to the elevated standard Zhao and his peers achieved this year. Slessor’s comments, meanwhile, reinforce the view that a new, even more ruthless generation of snooker star may be taking shape.
Slessor was candid in his reflections on his own narrow defeat to Zhao, telling fans, with a hint of rueful admiration, that Zhao was “very special.” Despite his disappointment at falling short, Slessor did not hesitate to bestow full credit on the new champion’s outstanding abilities.
Zhao’s ascendancy comes with its own complex backstory. He entered this year’s competition as an amateur, having only recently returned from a 20-month suspension due to involvement in betting-related violations. Zhao’s ban, the shortest among several Chinese players penalised in a wide-ranging WPBSA investigation into match-fixing and gambling, stemmed from his involvement in another player’s match-fixing and betting on games himself. Authorities, though enforcing the rules, have since allowed him the opportunity to rebuild his reputation and career.
The snooker community has expressed a mixture of caution and optimism about Zhao’s journey. Six-time world champion Steve Davis described the incident as a stain on Zhao’s record but insisted the young man “deserves a second chance,” a sentiment echoed by many enthusiasts who are eager to see how Zhao’s talent develops post-suspension.
As he prepares to start his reign as world champion, Zhao Xintong carries the hopes of not just his fans, but an entire continent newly inspired by his landmark victory. The future of the sport undoubtedly looks all the more intriguing with Zhao’s unique qualities now in the spotlight.