Zhao Xintong becomes the first Chinese to win the Snooker World Championship
Zhao Xintong has become the first Asian snooker world champion. The 28-year-old Chinese defeated Welshman Mark Williams 18-12 in the final in Sheffield. Zhao was celebrated by the crowd with the Chinese flag in his hands.
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"I can't believe what I've accomplished here," said the new champion, struggling for the right words: "I was so nervous." But he did want to treat himself to a "nice drink" to celebrate this triumph, he announced.
Williams misses out on his fourth world titleMeanwhile, Williams missed out on his fourth world title in the billiards variant, 25 years after his first triumph. At 50, he was the oldest finalist. "What can I say, there's a new superstar," said Williams, referring to the new champion, who is almost half his age.
Zhao laid the foundation for his success in the first of four sessions, winning seven of his eight matches. Although Williams fought back in the left-hander's duel, he entered the final session trailing 8-17. Zhao only needed to win one more game, but he only managed to do so after Williams had won five in a row, creating another thrilling moment. "He's the best," the winner respectfully praised the loser afterward.
Zhao is under fire for manipulation scandalA total of ten Chinese players were represented among the 32 players in the main draw, including Ding Junhui, who was the only Asian professional to reach the final in 2016 and missed out on the title. After successfully qualifying, Zhao eliminated Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semifinals, denying the Englishman a record eighth world title at the Crucible Theatre.
The new world champion is not without controversy. Due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, Zhao was banned for 20 months, even though he himself is not believed to have actively influenced the outcome of matches. However, he admitted to having bet on matches. Due to the ban, he lost his professional status and competed in the World Championship as an amateur. He will get his status back next season, along with the approximately 550,000 Swiss francs prize money for the title.
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