**Zhao Xintong’s Journey From Suspension to Snooker Glory: A Story of Luxury, Leisure and Resilience**
Zhao Xintong’s remarkable journey from the depths of a sporting ban to the pinnacle of snooker’s greatest stage has captured both the imagination and curiosity of the sporting world. Just days ago, Zhao made history by becoming the first Asian player to claim the World Snooker Championship crown, defeating Welshman Mark Williams 18-12 in an electrifying final at the Crucible. Yet, much of the intrigue around his victory owes itself not just to his deft touch with a cue, but to the story of what transpired during his near two-year absence from competition.
Following the largest match-fixing investigation the sport of snooker has ever seen, Zhao was suspended from January 2023 until August 2024. At just 28, he was forced to put his burgeoning career on hold. While many might have expected such exile to be defined by hardship and regret, Zhao’s life instead became an extraordinary blend of luxury travel, undiminished commitment to his craft, and steadfast support from snooker legend Stephen Hendry.
During his enforced break, Zhao’s social media offered glimpses into a lifestyle typically reserved for the pages of glossy travel magazines. Despite his professional woes, he maintained a visible presence in the United Kingdom, spending time in cultural landmarks such as London’s British Museum. There, he appeared fascinated by antiquity, posting photos beside the granite bust of King Ramesses II—perhaps a subtle reflection on legacy and redemption. Such moments seemed to show a thoughtful side to a man often known only for his prowess on the green baize.
In another British excursion, Zhao found tranquillity away from the limelight at the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Wrapped in a Prada puffer jacket, he was photographed braving the November chill, the dramatic cliffs stretching to the English Channel behind him. It was a striking metaphor for Zhao’s own journey—battered but unbowed, taking time to find perspective and serenity amid professional turmoil.
His adventures were not confined to Europe. Back home in China, Zhao travelled extensively, with notable stops in the opulent city of Macau. There, against the backdrop of lavish casinos and the Macau Eiffel Tower, he showcased his fondness for high fashion—pictured clutching a Burberry jacket—while blending into the city’s extravagant milieu. For balance, he also sought peace in nature, venturing to the peaceful mountains of Yangshuo. There, beneath dusk-lit karst peaks and beside a shimmering pool, he seemed to find the calm and introspection needed to return to the sporting world stronger.
Another noteworthy hiatus brought Zhao to the lakes near Xining, in Qinghai. With vast skies reflected perfectly on still waters, his posts from this off-the-beaten-path destination suggested a man using physical journeys to aid an internal one; contemplating his own mistakes alongside hopes for redemption.
Luxury was also in evidence in Dubai, where Zhao was photographed behind the wheel of a vibrant green supercar, Burj Al Arab in the background. That trip, taken just before his ban officially began, epitomised his upbeat approach to finding enjoyment even in adversity.
Yet, away from the fast cars and dramatic landscapes, Zhao found comfort in more prosaic company—his loyal Pom-Shi dog, a constant presence throughout his journey. Social media posts illustrated the softer side of a man often seen as focused and determined, featuring moments of gentle companionship with the pet that helped ground him during uncertain times.
The passage of months did not dull Zhao’s competitive edge. He made certain to keep his snooker skills sharp, sharing evidence of focused practice sessions, a testament to his resolve and belief that his return would herald the start of a new chapter. This mind-set paid off handsomely upon his return to competition in 2024.
Throughout his absence, Zhao was supported by none other than Stephen Hendry, the seven-time world champion. Hendry’s online show of support—publicly liking nearly all of Zhao’s updates and commenting encouragingly on his return—offered the kind of validation and morale boost few athletes ever experience.
Emerging from his ban, Zhao Xintong’s return to top-level snooker was nothing short of extraordinary. His journey has been one of resilience and renewal, shaped not simply by sporting ambition, but also by personal growth, reflection, and an embrace of life’s richer experiences. As snooker now enters a new era with Zhao at the helm, supporters and critics alike will be watching to see how his unique path continues to shape both his career and the sport itself.