**Zhao Xintong Issues Ominous Warning to Rivals after World Snooker Championship Victory**
Chinese snooker star Zhao Xintong has sent a clear, defiant message to his competitors, pledging not to slow down following his impressive World Snooker Championship win. The 28-year-old clinched his maiden world title at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, after overcoming Mark Williams with an 18-12 victory in a four-session epic on Monday evening.
Zhao’s win is already being hailed as one of the defining sporting moments of the year. In dispatching Mark Williams—a member of snooker’s revered ‘Class of 92’—Zhao added the famous championship trophy to his collection, which also includes previous triumphs at the UK Championship and German Masters. His form throughout the tournament was nothing short of spectacular, cementing his place among snooker’s elite.
Despite enduring a gruelling tournament schedule that saw him contest 111 frames across nine matches in just 29 days, Zhao demonstrated remarkable stamina and composure. In the immediate aftermath of his victory, Zhao’s refreshing attitude was evident. Responding drily to the BBC’s Hazel Irvine when asked about possible exhaustion, Zhao stated simply: “No, I’m not tired.” The crowd responded with laughter, underlining both his light-heartedness and unflappable nature, qualities that make him a fan favourite.
Reflecting on his journey to the top, Zhao was quick to acknowledge the pressure he faced. “This is like a dream. I can’t believe it,” he told BBC viewers. “There was big pressure and big nerves. I knew if I missed, [Williams] could come back quickly. I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He’s the best.” Despite those nerves, Zhao’s steely determination and tactical brilliance kept him ahead throughout much of the final, earning him well-deserved applause.
The path to his world title was packed with standout performances. Zhao battled through the qualifiers, seeing off Cheung Ka Wai, Zehuang Long, Lyu Haotian, and Elliot Slessor. In the main draw, he defeated Welshman Jak Jones 10-4, overcame Lei Peifan 13-10 in a close contest, and then swept past Chris Wakelin 13-5 in the quarterfinals. Perhaps most notably, he ended Ronnie O’Sullivan’s hopes of an eighth world title in a one-sided semi-final, triumphing 17-7.
However, Zhao’s resurgence has not been without controversy. His participation in this year’s championship followed a 20-month suspension levied in January 2023, related to a match-fixing investigation. Although Zhao was not found to have fixed matches, he admitted to betting on snooker games, leading to his lengthy absence from the professional tour. Returning as an amateur through the Q Tour after his ban ended in September 2024, Zhao’s rise back to the pinnacle has been remarkable. In fact, he becomes the first technical amateur to win the World Championship and the first Asian player to do so.
The Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman, Jason Ferguson, commented positively on Zhao’s rehabilitation and return. Ferguson emphasised, “He has served his time and paid his fine. There’s always a route to return. From our point of view, he’s done the right thing from day one and will be a professional player again at the end of this World Championship.”
For Zhao, the victory brings significant rewards. On top of the £500,000 prize money, he will soar to 11th in the global rankings as he returns to the pro circuit. The manner of his return and the ease with which he brushed past established names will no doubt send a warning to rivals across the sport, who must now reckon with a player unburdened by fatigue or the weight of his past.
In the broader context, Zhao’s story is one of redemption and renewal—proving that even after setbacks, greatness remains within reach for those with resilience and talent. His determined four-word refrain—“No, I’m not tired”—should serve as a wake-up call to the rest of the snooker world: Zhao Xintong is just getting started.