Zhao Xintong's beaten opponent reveals what sets him apart from snooker legends

Daily Mirror

06-05-2025

Zhao Xintong claimed the World Snooker Championship with victory over Mark Williams at the Crucible as the Chinese star is singled out amongst the greats for some of his qualities
Zhao Xintong has been hailed for his ability to "make tough shots look easy" after claiming the World Snooker Championship. The Chinese sensation became his country's first world champion and just the third qualifier to win at the Crucible.
Elliot Slessor was dispatched in qualifying and the Englishman was taken a back by the consistency he produced - suggesting that none of the game's greats could compare. Xintong claimed his world title with with an 18-12 victory over Mark Williams in Sheffield.
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His run to the final began in qualifying before he eventually downed one of the modern greats. The 28-year-old had extended his 11-6 overnight lead with a dominant display on Monday afternoon to begin the concluding session 17-8 ahead, eventually coming home with a 18-12 victory.
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Slessor was among the first people the Chinese star dispatched over and paid him a huge compliment on social media: "I said it then and will say it again I've played them all nobody pots balls like this kid the consistency in the long game and to make tough shots look easy is staggering congratulations to Xintong and @Vics_Snooker incredible stuff."
Zhao, who won the UK title in 2021, is the first amateur to triumph at the Crucible. He also emulates Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy, who also claimed snooker's biggest prize having arrived at Sheffield as a qualifier. He will climb to 11th in the world rankings when he returns to the main professional tour next season.
He told the BBC: "This is like a dream. I can't believe it. There was big pressure and big nerves. I knew if I missed he could come back quickly. I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best."
Jason Ferguson - chairman of the sport's governing body - said Zhao was set to take snooker "to another level" with his success further ramping up the interest in his homeland. "We are talking about a national hero - he has entered the history books of this sport and in China he will probably be one of the biggest stars there," he said
"Snooker is so big in China. He is young, talented and entertaining and speaks both English and Mandarin. This is going to take snooker to another level. China loves its heroes and winners. Some countries back underdogs but in China they really celebrate their champions. He has the ability to become the most popular sporting star in the country."
Ronnie O'Sullivan has regularly been touted as a mentor for Zhao, but was beaten by him in the last four, yet only has complimentary things to say.
He said: 'I know we've got a really nice relationship, I'm always trying to help him if I can. He wanted the crowd to give me a clap at the end but it was Zhao's moment, I tried to get off as quickly as I could because it was his moment to enjoy."