Zhao Xintong shows his true character despite still being banned from snooker in China
Zhao Xintong shows his true character despite still being banned from snooker in China
Zhao Xintong became the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship earlier this month - but he is still banned from competing in his native China
Zhao Xintong has big plans this year
(Image: undefined via Getty Images )
Zhao Xintong is currently unable to pursue his dream of winning a tournament in China due to an ongoing snooker ban.
The 28-year-old made history earlier this month by becoming the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible thanks to an 18-12 win over Mark Williams. However, he remains barred from competing in his home country.
The world championship was only Zhao's second professional tournament since returning from a suspension related to a match-fixing investigation involving 10 players, which dates back to January 2023. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) reduced his initial 30-month ban to 20 months after it was established that, while he had knowingly placed bets on fixed games, he had not personally fixed any matches.
Despite being permitted to compete globally, the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) has upheld the original ban, meaning Zhao is still prohibited from competing in China until 1 July 2025. Since his triumph at the World Snooker Championship, Zhao has spent time in his homeland and expressed his determination to build on his success next season.
As a former UK Open winner, Zhao is now just a Masters win away from achieving the coveted Triple Crown, and he is also eager to lift a trophy on Chinese soil. Setting his sights on becoming the first Chinese or Asian player to win a snooker title on home soil, he told the South China Morning Post: "No Chinese or Asian player has been able to embroider that little crown on their waistcoat so far.
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"So I think this is one of my goals. I will do my best to play well in every match and tournament, but I want to hoist a trophy in China – this is something I have yet to do. I am also looking forward to playing in the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong next year. I want to achieve good results here, preferably winning it, and I'd be very happy."
With his suspension ending before the new snooker season, Zhao could potentially realise his dream at the Shanghai Masters, scheduled from July 28 to August 3, reports the Express. Since relocating to England in 2016, Zhao, known as 'The Cyclone', has acknowledged the positive impact Sheffield has had on his career.
World snooker champion Zhao Xintong is banned from competing in China
(Image: (Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) )
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He also believes his world title victory could significantly influence snooker's growth in China. Reflecting on his World Championship triumph and its implications, Zhao said: "I haven't quite thought about what's different for me as a player after winning the World Championship.
"Everything is just starting and I am convinced that there is more to come, and I have to do more and bring glory to China. The win was also a breakthrough for snooker in China – because this had not been done before by any Chinese player, I think the younger generation will now be more confident and motivated."
Just a few weeks following the Shanghai Masters, snooker fans can look forward to more action from China with the Wuhan Open set for August 24-30. Zhao also shared his anticipation for next year's World Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from February 3-8.
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