World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong Triumphs To Create History

In one of the most remarkable career turnarounds in sports, Zhao Xintong left behind the ghosts of match-fixing ban and became the world snooker champion after beating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final on Monday. He returned to competitive action just months ago after his 20-month ban ended and has now become only the first person from Asia to win the world snooker title.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 6 May 2025 3:49 pm

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

China's Zhao Xintong celebrates victory in the final match against Wales' Mark Williams following day seventeen of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

China's Zhao Xintong celebrates victory in the final match against Wales' Mark Williams following day seventeen of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

China's Zhao Xintong celebrates victory in the final match against Wales' Mark Williams following day seventeen of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

Wales' Mark Williams, left, congratulates China's Zhao Xintong after the final match following day seventeen of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

Wales' Mark Williams reacts in the final match against China's Zhao Xintong on day seventeen of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

China's Zhao Xintong in action against Wales' Mark Williams in the final match on day seventeen of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

Wales' Mark Williams in action in the final match against China's Zhao Xintong on day seventeen of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

China's Zhao Xintong during his Final match with Wales' Mark Williams on day seventeen of the Halo World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

Wales' Mark Williams during his Final match with China's Zhao Xintong on day seventeen of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.

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World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams | Photo: Mike Egerton/PA via AP

China's Zhao Xintong in action as he plays Wales' Mark Williams during the final of the World Snooker Championship, at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England.