Sheffield, UK
Reuters
–
Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship on Monday, the latest chapter in Zhao’s incredible rise and fall tale, with Welshman and three-time winner Mark Williams, beating three-time winner Mark Williams.
The 28-year-old became the first amateur to win a world title, winning 12 frames with 12 frames, despite a lively comeback attempt from Williams.
“I can’t believe what I did. It’s very exciting,” said Zhao, who was covered in the Chinese flag. “I was very nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and is under so much pressure on me. He’s the best.
“It’s a very special moment for me, for Chinese snookers, for everyone.”
Zhao was banned for 20 months in January 2023 after the match correction scandal that rocked the sport.
The Chinese player, who lives just a 10-minute walk from the Crucible venue, scored an 11-6 overnight lead in his third session on Monday.
Zhao couldn’t flapped completely and continued to smile throughout the afternoon session, but Williams struggled with accuracy and couldn’t stop his opponent from taking a 17-8 lead 17-8.
But freewheeler Williams made things interesting by acquiring the first four frames of the night with a gust of great shots before the young player secured his fifth victory.
The final was already historic as 50-year-old Williams became the oldest player to reach the final in the semi-final victory at the world’s number one Judd Trump.
“It was a great tournament for me,” said Williams, who instantly fought back tears. “The support I had over the past two weeks has been incredible.
“But what is Potter Zao? I’m happy I’m too old when he rules the game. I can only admire what he did throughout the qualifying round.
Zhao pushed seven-time winner Ronnie O’Sullivan aside in the semi-finals to set what was billed as the cor crown for the new Snooker King.
The Chinese, dubbed the “Cyclone,” competed for an early 7-1 advantage in the 35-frame best contest, but Williams staged a mini-revival in his second session on Sunday, creating hope for a fourth title.
However, since the tournament moved to the Crucible in 1977, no player has overcome such a big overnight deficit.
Zhao joined Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy as the only qualifiers to win the Snooker’s most prestigious trophy.
He deposited a check of 500,000 pounds ($664,000) in Monday’s victory, and Williams won 200,000 pounds ($265,000) and rose to third in the world rankings.
Williams suffers from vision problems and plays without glasses or contact lenses while awaiting lens replacement surgery in June.
“Even though my eyesight is a bit blurry, I’m still playing pretty good,” Williams said.
