The 28-year-old Chinese player took home the equivalent of nearly 6.5 million kronor for the very unexpected World Championship title.
Not that Zhao Xintong lacks talent, for example, he won the British Championships four years ago. But the journey to becoming a world champion has still been spectacular.
Involved in a betting scandal
Since September, Zhao has been forced to play as an amateur, a necessary evil after a 20-month suspension due to a betting scandal in 2023 where he admitted to betting on himself. Ten Chinese players were involved in the scandal and two were banned for life.
Zhao Xintong has, however, managed to get back, but due to his amateur status, he was forced to go through four qualifying rounds just to reach the main round of the World Championship in Sheffield, where he also lives.
That didn't stop him, and on his way to the final, he outclassed, among others, seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semifinal last week. On Monday's final, he then Welshman Mark Williams with 18–12 and became the only third qualifying player in the 48-year history of the tournament to win the World Championship.
Once before, a Chinese male player had reached the World Championship final. Ding Junhui had to settle for second place in 2016.
I can't understand what I've done. It's fantastic. I was so nervous tonight. Mark is a top player and pressed me all the time. He is the best, says Zhao.
"A new superstar"
But 50-year-old Mark Williams, who had hoped to become the oldest world champion, can't help but tip his hat to his opponent.
I feel nothing but admiration for what he has achieved, the way he went through the qualifying rounds. He hasn't played for two years and then swept everyone, says Williams and adds:
This sport has got a new superstar.
The first Chinese world champion in snooker is, however, not Zhao Xintong. His compatriot Bai Yulu took home the World Championship on the women's side last year.
