Zhao Xintong beats Mark Williams to become China’s first snooker world champion

Zhao wins 18-12 in dramatic final session in Sheffield‘It’s unbelievable. This is like a dream,’ says ZhaoThe Crucible has been home to some of the most significant moments in snooker history. Minds will spring immediately to Dennis Taylor’s dramatic triumph in 1985, or one of Stephen Hendry or Ronnie O’Sullivan’s many victories on the grandest stage this sport has to offer.But on a mild Monday evening in Sheffield and 20 years on from the door for Chinese snooker being pushed ajar, Zhao Xintong may well have just changed the way the sport is viewed, played and followed for hundreds of millions of people in Asia and across the world. Continue reading...

May 5, 2025 - 22:03
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Zhao Xintong beats Mark Williams to become China’s first snooker world champion
  • Zhao wins 18-12 in dramatic final session in Sheffield
  • ‘It’s unbelievable. This is like a dream,’ says Zhao

The Crucible has been home to some of the most significant moments in snooker history. Minds will spring immediately to Dennis Taylor’s dramatic triumph in 1985, or one of Stephen Hendry or Ronnie O’Sullivan’s many victories on the grandest stage this sport has to offer.

But on a mild Monday evening in Sheffield and 20 years on from the door for Chinese snooker being pushed ajar, Zhao Xintong may well have just changed the way the sport is viewed, played and followed for hundreds of millions of people in Asia and across the world. Continue reading...