Zhao Xintong

Chinese professional snooker player who became the first Chinese player to win the UK Championship in 2021 and reached a career-high ranking of 9th.

Born in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, on July 15, 1997, this Chinese snooker prodigy emerged from the country's expanding talent pool during the sport's growing popularity in Asia. Like many of his generation, he developed his skills through China's structured youth development programs, which have consistently produced world-class players since the early 2000s. Zhao Xintong's professional career began gaining momentum in the late 2010s, with his breakthrough performance coming at the 2021 UK Championship. His journey to the final demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, defeating several established players with a fearless, attacking approach that distinguished him from more conservative playing styles. The championship victory marked a watershed moment, establishing him as China's leading snooker talent and one of the sport's most promising young stars. His playing style earned widespread recognition for its combination of aggressive potting and tactical awareness. The UK Championship triumph represented his first major ranking title, achieved at age 24, making him one of the youngest winners of the prestigious tournament. His performances during this period showcased exceptional break-building ability and a natural flair for spectacular shots that captivated audiences worldwide. However, his career faced significant disruption when he received a lengthy suspension in 2022 following a match-fixing investigation by snooker's governing bodies. This development halted what appeared to be an ascending trajectory toward the sport's elite level, leaving questions about his future participation and potential return to competition. Despite these setbacks, Zhao's impact on snooker remains significant. He represented the new generation of Chinese players who brought increased global attention to the sport, particularly in Asian markets. His UK Championship victory demonstrated China's continued emergence as a snooker powerhouse, following in the footsteps of Ding Junhui and other successful Chinese professionals. His natural talent and entertaining style had established him as a key figure in snooker's international expansion before his career was interrupted. Zhao became China's first world snooker champion in 2025, beating Mark Williams 18-12 in the Crucible final. His title defence in 2026 fell to the famous Crucible Curse - no first-time champion has ever retained the title at the venue - as he was beaten by Shaun Murphy in the quarter-finals, before compatriot Wu Yize kept the trophy in Chinese hands.

Aggressive attacking player with strong break-building

Breaking barriers for Chinese snooker

• UK Championship 2021
• Shoot Out 2022
• European Masters 2022
• World Champion (2025)