Zhao Xintong becomes the first ever Chinese player to win World Snooker Championship as he dominates Mark Williams 18-12 - but recent match-fixing ban leaves sour taste
Daily MailMAY 19
Zhao Xintong Becomes First Chinese World Snooker Champion
Above: Zhao Xintong with the Halo World Snooker Championship trophy at the Crucible Theatre on May 5, 2025. Image copyright: George Wood/Stringer/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Zhao's remarkable comeback story represents the perfect redemption arc for a player who accepted responsibility for his mistakes from day one. His journey from suspension to world champion showcases the sport's capacity for forgiveness and rehabilitation, while his extraordinary talent and humble demeanor have won over fans worldwide. This victory marks a watershed moment for Chinese snooker after years of development and investment in the sport.
Narrative B
The celebration of Zhao's victory leaves a sour taste, given his involvement in one of snooker's biggest corruption scandals just two years ago. While he may not have directly fixed matches, he was complicit in match-fixing by others and placed illegal bets himself, which undermined the sport's integrity. His rapid rise to championship glory after returning from suspension raises uncomfortable questions about whether his punishment was sufficient for such serious breaches of sporting ethics.