Could 07, 2025 11:39 AM IST
SNOOKER-WORLDCHAMPS/ZHAO (PIX):Snooker-China’s Zhao targets extra titles after historic world snooker triumph
Could 7 – Recent off changing into the primary Chinese language participant to win the World Snooker Championship, Zhao Xintong is eyeing extra titles, hoping his continued success will encourage a brand new wave of expertise in China.
HT Picture
The 28-year-old Zhao, nicknamed “the Cyclone”, secured an 18-12 victory over Welsh three-times winner Mark Williams on the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Monday, capping a exceptional journey by way of turmoil and redemption.
Zhao’s triumph despatched ripples by way of China, as thousands and thousands hailed a significant breakthrough for the game. He’s certainly one of 5 Chinese language gamers to complete the season within the prime 20.
“I believe I can win more tournaments in the future to attract more people to be involved in the sport. I will refresh myself and look forward to a brand-new start of my career.”
Zhao was banned for 20 months in January 2023 after a match-fixing scandal that rocked the game, the repercussions of which meant he was classed as an newbie on the championship occasion and wanted to get by way of 4 rounds of qualifying to achieve the Crucible a gruelling run to the title that started on April 7.
“I did something wrong and I learned from it, but I have never lost faith in myself. I kept practising as usual and I followed the pro tour attentively,” Zhao mentioned.
“I have never thought about quitting snooker but coming back stronger.”
Zhao mentioned he was apprehensive about with the ability to match the depth in main occasions and had had no expectations going into the World Championship.
“After all, I haven’t played in top-class tournaments for quite a long time… I was happy that I could reach the final stages and show up at the Crucible.”
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