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Tom Bell

Leading lights of snooker have lined up to hail the impact of Zhao Xintong’s World Championship triumph, with the governing body’s chief suggesting it would fuel a boom for the sport.
A first for China and indeed Asia, Zhao’s success on Monday may have been applauded loudest in Shenzhen, where he was raised, and in Sheffield, the scene of the victory and his adoptive home. But the cueist nicknamed “The Cyclone” blew away his opponents with such force that it sent ripples right across the snooker map.
Excitement, admiration and a willingness to forgive were among the sentiments stirred, with beaten finalist Mark Williams saying it could “open floodgates everywhere”.
“He has entered the history books of this sport and in China he will probably be one of the biggest stars there,” Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, told the BBC.

“Snooker is so big in China. He is young, talented and entertaining and speaks both English and Mandarin. This is going to take snooker to another level.”
The 1991 world champion John Parrott, meanwhile, expected the Shenzhen-raised, Sheffield-based Zhao to “inspire another wave of players in China and all over Asia”.
Zhao’s prospects were clouded only months ago. He returned to action in September after a ban for his part in a corruption scandal that had left some questioning his right to resume his career.
Parrott told the BBC that Zhao had “totally redeemed himself”, saying: “He did the crime, he’s had the time, he held his hand up.”
“There’s been quite a lot of fanfare about his return, which I’ve not been 100 per cent sure about,” 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy said. “But he was caught, he took his punishment on the chin and since then has done everything right.”
Six-time world champion Steve Davis added: “He has a blip on his CV, but I’m sure everyone in the country will agree people deserve a second chance.”
The reaction of Zhao’s fellow professionals suggested a commonly held wish to look forward, not back.
Williams, whom Zhao beat in an exhibition game in China when still a teenager, echoed Ronnie O’Sullivan’s previous comparison of Zhao to darts prodigy Luke Littler, and said he was “going to be a national hero now”. “He’ll be on the front page of every news outlet going and I’m sure there are Chinese companies ready to throw zillions at him.”
Neil Robertson, another ex-world champion, tweeted “Congratulations Xintong!” and wrote: “It must be said it’s going to be incredibly exciting to see what impact this will have on snooker in China!”
Zhao’s fellow Chinese players shared his joy, with Si Jiahui lauding “Brother Tong” on social media. “I’m learning from you! My idol has changed!” he wrote. “Go Team China,” Lei Peifan posted.

Watching in Shenzhen were Zhao’s father, Zhao Xiaowei, the vice-president of a hospital, and his mother, Wen Anxiao, a nurse. And around the country, many millions more.
If Zhao felt their gaze, his composed dismantling of Williams had the world fooled.
“We have a new superstar,” Williams said. “It’s what snooker needed, someone like him to come through. He is probably the best potter I have ever seen – I have nothing but admiration for him.”
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse


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China’s snooker ‘Cyclone’ Zhao Xintong earns applause, forgiveness and national hero tag

Zhao Xintong celebrates victory in the World Snooker Championship final in Sheffield on Monday. Photo: AP

Zhao Xintong at the table during his accomplished display in the world final. Photo: Xinhua

Luke Littler wins the World Darts Championship in January, aged 17. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

Who is Zhao Xintong? Made in Xian and Shenzhen, China’s world snooker champion

Zhao Xintong poses with China’s flag after winning the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. Photo: AFP

Zhao Xintong holds the trophy after his Crucible victory over Wales’ Mark Williams. Photo: AFP

Ding Junhui has won the UK Championship three times, including in 2019. Photo: Xinhua

Ronnie O’Sullivan greets Zhao Xintong after Zhao’s semi-final win. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

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Zhao Xintong celebrates becoming China’s first winner of the World Snooker Championship. Photo: AFP

Ding Junhui has been described as the godfather of Chinese snooker. Photo: Xinhua

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Shenzhen-raised world snooker champion tipped to push his sport to new heights and inspire players all over Asia


Shenzhen-raised world snooker champion tipped to push his sport to new heights and inspire players all over Asia.


World Snooker Championship

China’s snooker ‘Cyclone’ Zhao Xintong earns applause, forgiveness and national hero tag

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Shenzhen-raised world snooker champion tipped to push his sport to new heights and inspire players all over Asia

Shenzhen-raised world snooker champion tipped to push his sport to new heights and inspire players all over Asia