**Zhao Xintong Urged to Heed Hendry’s Caution After Landmark Snooker Triumph**
Zhao Xintong has etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Asian player to secure the snooker World Championship title, delivering a masterclass at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. The Chinese cueist’s breathtaking comeback — following a 20-month suspension — saw him topple the experienced Mark Williams in a dazzling final, sealing his monumental achievement with a cool £500,000 in prize money.
The 28-year-old’s meteoric rise is already sparking conversation beyond the green baize. Zhao, renowned for his attacking flair, now faces the all-too-familiar challenge that accompanies sporting stardom: managing sudden wealth and the pressures that follow. In recent interviews, he has candidly expressed a penchant for luxury watches, prompting reminders from within the snooker fraternity about staying grounded and focused.
Central to this discussion is snooker legend Stephen Hendry. The seven-time world champion’s advisory words are making the rounds once again, serving as a salient warning to Zhao about the perils of losing focus after reaching the sport’s summit. Hendry, revered for his single-minded approach during his own illustrious career, has become an outspoken figure regarding the importance of maintaining professionalism amid newfound fame and fortune.
Drawing a parallel is the recent career path of Belgian star Luca Brecel, who lifted the world title in 2023. Brecel famously made headlines after indulging in expensive cars and lavish travel, only to struggle with motivation and form in the aftermath of his triumph. Hendry, observing Brecel’s difficulties, questioned whether extravagant spending and a dip in competitive edge could be interconnected. “What I’m questioning is what he’s doing with his career. Does he still want to play snooker? Is he putting the work in?” remarked Hendry in a recent retrospective.
Zhao, meanwhile, has acknowledged his love for high-end timepieces but suggested that he has yet to decide exactly how to use his windfall. In commentary to the South China Morning Post, he admitted: “But I do like watches, different brands, too.” This admission underscores the challenge he now faces: balancing ambition and enjoyment with a long-term vision for his career both on and off the table.
Zhao’s agent, Victoria Shi, has been quick to articulate her own strategy for keeping the new champion’s feet firmly on the ground. “Let him enjoy [the prize money],” said Shi, “but if he enjoys it too much, I will tell him off. He is the first Asian world champion, and that is huge. But it is my job to make sure he stays grounded.” Her pragmatic approach suggests that lessons have been learned from the experiences of others — including Brecel’s rapid shift from elation to disillusionment.
For his part, Brecel has been blunt in discussing how quickly his competitive fire dwindled after winning at the Crucible, revealing that extravagant spending on cars and travel failed to reignite his hunger for the sport. “I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire,” he reflected candidly, highlighting the pitfalls that can accompany success if discipline slips. Brecel’s story serves as a reminder that, while financial reward is a natural part of sporting glory, it can present distractions that undermine long-term success.
Zhao’s ascension comes at a time when Chinese snooker is rising rapidly, with more players from the country beginning to make their mark internationally. This victory not only signals a personal triumph for Zhao but could inspire greater investment and enthusiasm for the sport across Asia — provided that its role models remain focused.
The spotlight is now firmly trained on how Zhao Xintong will navigate the months following his victory. As he weighs up the allure of luxury purchases against the demands of elite competition, Hendry’s message lingers: to sustain sporting greatness, respect for the discipline of the game is paramount. Only time will tell whether Zhao’s willpower matches his extraordinary skill at the table.
In a sport where the margins between lasting fame and fleeting success can be razor-thin, Zhao’s decisions off the baize may prove as significant as the historic break-building exhibition that crowned him world champion. As the new season beckons, fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see if the new champion can avoid the pitfalls of sudden success — and establish himself as a true legend of the modern game.