Zhao Xintong is a Chinese snooker professional who became one of the sport’s leading modern attacking talents, winning the UK Championship and later becoming China’s first male world champion.
Zhao Xintong – Career Snapshot
| Date of birth: | 3 April 1997 |
| From: | China |
| Turned professional: | 2016 |
| Highest world ranking: | No. 6 |
| Ranking titles: | 3 |
| World Championship titles: | 1 |
| Triple Crown titles: | 2 |
| Masters appearances: | 2 |
| Maximum 147 breaks: | 1 |
Zhao Xintong’s Snooker Career
Zhao Xintong first turned professional in 2016 at the age of 19, but he was making headlines long before joining the Main Tour. As a teenager, he announced himself on home soil by beating Ken Doherty in the wildcard round of the 2012 International Championship, then followed it up a year later by thrashing Steve Davis 6-1.
Around this period, Zhao was establishing himself as one of the leading international amateurs, twice finishing runner-up at the IBSF World Amateur Championship. However, after turning professional, the player nicknamed Cyclone initially found it difficult to convert his raw talent into consistent results while adapting to life on the UK circuit.
His momentum changed dramatically at the 2021 UK Championship. After beating the likes of John Higgins, Jack Lisowski, and Barry Hawkins on his way to the final, Zhao captured a sensational maiden Triple Crown title by defeating Luca Brecel.
Two months later, Zhao proved his breakthrough was no fluke by overwhelming compatriot and close friend Yan Bingtao 9-0 to win the German Masters. Those back-to-back triumphs helped him reach a career-high ranking of number six in the world and cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting scorers in the modern game.
In 2023, Zhao’s career took a major hit when he was found guilty of being a party to others fixing matches and received a 20-month ban. He returned competitively in 2024, and strong performances on the Q Tour earned him an invitation to compete at the 2025 World Championship.
In Sheffield, Zhao reannounced himself in remarkable style by becoming the first Chinese snooker player to win the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre. The 2025 success completed one of the most dramatic story arcs of his generation and ensured his place in snooker history.
Zhao Xintong’s Ranking Titles
Zhao Xintong won 3 ranking titles during his professional career.
| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 2021 | UK Championship |
| 2022 | German Masters |
| 2025 | World Snooker Championship |
Other Major Titles and Notable Wins
- Riyadh Season Snooker Championship (2025)
- Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (2017)
- Macau Masters (2018)
Zhao Xintong and the Triple Crown
Zhao Xintong has won two Triple Crown titles during his professional career.
- World Championship: 1 title (2025)
- UK Championship: 1 title (2021)
- Masters: 0 titles
SHQ Star Rating: ★★★★★
SnookerHQ uses a seven-point star scale based on the scoring values of snooker balls, with a black (7) representing the highest career classification. Ratings are assigned using career achievements, longevity, and historical impact.
Zhao Xintong: ★★★★★
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Featured photo credit: WST