China's Zhao Xintong etched his name in sporting history on Monday, defeating Welsh veteran Mark Williams 18-12 in a thrilling World Snooker Championship final in Sheffield. The 25-year-old became the first player from the Chinese mainland and Asia to claim snooker's most prestigious title, signaling a seismic shift in the sport's global landscape.
Holding a commanding 17-8 lead after Saturday's sessions, Zhao weathered a late resurgence from the three-time champion Williams, who clawed back four consecutive frames. The young phenom steadied himself in the critical 30th frame, sealing victory with an 87-point break that showcased his trademark precision. Across the tournament, Zhao demonstrated elite consistency with 16 century breaks and 87+ scores in 49% of his frames.
"This feels like waking up in a dream," an emotional Zhao told reporters post-match. "Every ball, every frame – I kept believing even when the pressure mounted. This victory belongs to everyone who supported my journey."
Williams, 50, graciously praised his opponent: "There's a new king of the table. When he's on form, you're just a spectator. The scary part? He's only getting started."
The watershed moment caps China's growing influence in cue sports, following Ding Junhui's UK Championship wins. Analysts predict Zhao's triumph could accelerate snooker's commercialization in Asia, with Chinese brands already showing increased interest in tournament sponsorships.
