Zhao Xintong Nears Historic Win at World Snooker Championship
Chinese player Zhao Xintong is on the verge of making history as he approaches potential victory over Mark Williams in the Championship final.
Zhao Xintong of China is just one frame away from becoming the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship, following a commanding performance that has given him a 17-8 lead over veteran Welshman Mark Williams as of the latest session on May 5, 2025, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.
At 28 years old, Zhao is the second Chinese player ever to reach the finals of this prestigious event, following Ding Junhui, who lost to Mark Selby in the 2016 final.
Zhao's journey to this point included a significant semifinal victory over seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, defeating him 17-7 and achieving an 8-0 whitewash in the second session.
In the other semifinal, Mark Williams faced world No. 1 Judd Trump and emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle that lasted 31 frames, concluding with a score of 17-14. This final appearance marks Williams' fifth in his career.
At 50 years and 43 days, he has set a record as the oldest player to reach this final.
Williams has previously claimed the title three times, in 2000, 2003, and 2018. If he wins this year, he will become the oldest World Snooker Champion in history, surpassing Ronnie O'Sullivan's record set in 2022 at the age of 46. Conversely, should Zhao win, he would make history as the first Asian player to lift the World Snooker Championship trophy.
The current final follows a best-of-35 frames format, meaning a player must win 18 frames across four sessions (8/9/8/10).
Zhao opened the final with an impressive performance, defeating Williams 7-1 during the first day.
Williams rebounded to win the second session 5-4, leading Zhao to an overall advantage of 11-6 heading into the third.
The head-to-head record between the two players shows Williams leading with four wins to Zhao's two.
However, Zhao has won their last two encounters.
Zhao made his mark as a 'dark horse' this year, initially entering the tournament through the qualifying rounds, where he won three matches.
His first-round victory was against the 2024 runner-up Jak Jones, with a score of 10-4, followed by a 10-3 win over compatriot Lei Peifan, and a quarterfinal victory against Chris Wakelin with a score of 13-5.
Zhao's return to competition has garnered attention, particularly after he resumed play in September following a 20-month ban for breaching betting regulations.
His participation in the World Championship was secured after winning four qualifying matches as an amateur.
This year's tournament has seen a record of ten Chinese players reaching the main draw, with six progressing to the last 16, marking the highest representation of Chinese players at this level in the tournament's history.
At 28 years old, Zhao is the second Chinese player ever to reach the finals of this prestigious event, following Ding Junhui, who lost to Mark Selby in the 2016 final.
Zhao's journey to this point included a significant semifinal victory over seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, defeating him 17-7 and achieving an 8-0 whitewash in the second session.
In the other semifinal, Mark Williams faced world No. 1 Judd Trump and emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle that lasted 31 frames, concluding with a score of 17-14. This final appearance marks Williams' fifth in his career.
At 50 years and 43 days, he has set a record as the oldest player to reach this final.
Williams has previously claimed the title three times, in 2000, 2003, and 2018. If he wins this year, he will become the oldest World Snooker Champion in history, surpassing Ronnie O'Sullivan's record set in 2022 at the age of 46. Conversely, should Zhao win, he would make history as the first Asian player to lift the World Snooker Championship trophy.
The current final follows a best-of-35 frames format, meaning a player must win 18 frames across four sessions (8/9/8/10).
Zhao opened the final with an impressive performance, defeating Williams 7-1 during the first day.
Williams rebounded to win the second session 5-4, leading Zhao to an overall advantage of 11-6 heading into the third.
The head-to-head record between the two players shows Williams leading with four wins to Zhao's two.
However, Zhao has won their last two encounters.
Zhao made his mark as a 'dark horse' this year, initially entering the tournament through the qualifying rounds, where he won three matches.
His first-round victory was against the 2024 runner-up Jak Jones, with a score of 10-4, followed by a 10-3 win over compatriot Lei Peifan, and a quarterfinal victory against Chris Wakelin with a score of 13-5.
Zhao's return to competition has garnered attention, particularly after he resumed play in September following a 20-month ban for breaching betting regulations.
His participation in the World Championship was secured after winning four qualifying matches as an amateur.
This year's tournament has seen a record of ten Chinese players reaching the main draw, with six progressing to the last 16, marking the highest representation of Chinese players at this level in the tournament's history.
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