Zhao Xintong's Historic Triumph

Within minutes of becoming China's trailblazing world snooker champion, Zhao Xintong was draped in his country's flag as he started to take in the enormity of his achievement. Zhao defeated three-time winner Mark Williams 18-12 on Monday to become the first Asian player and amateur to triumph at the Crucible.

A New Superstar in the Making

Williams called the 28-year-old a "superstar", and Jason Ferguson - chairman of the sport's governing body - said Zhao was set to take snooker "to another level".

"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," Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) told BBC Sport.

Snooker's Popularity in China

Snooker is so big in China. Zhao 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.

Overcoming Challenges

The 28-year-old also became only the third qualifier after Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy to capture snooker's biggest prize since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977. His achievement is all the more extraordinary given he only returned from a 20-month suspension earlier this season after being one of 10 players from China sanctioned in a match-fixing scandal.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Zhao's success completes a double for the country, which has more than 300,000 snooker clubs for its population of 1.4 billion. Bai Yulu was the first Chinese winner of the women's world championship in 2024 and will defend her title in her homeland this month.

"Zhao's victory is not only a personal triumph but also a historic breakthrough for Chinese snooker," said May Zhao, who is in Sheffield to report for the International Sport Press Association. "I think he will be given a huge reception when he returns to the country and this win is sure to inspire the younger generation in China and drive the development of the country's training system and structure."

A Seismic Moment for Chinese Snooker

While a record 10 Chinese players qualified for the televised stage of the World Championship this year, prior to the start of the tournament only four, Ding Junhui (sixth), Zhang Anda (11th), Xiao Guodong (12th) and Si Jiahui (14th) sat inside the game's elite top 16.

The Future of Snooker

Zhao's success is also a fillip for those who expect the game to be dominated by players from the Far East over the coming years, especially given the 'Class of 92' of O'Sullivan, Williams and John Higgins, have reached or are close to, their 50th birthdays.

"I've seen first-hand children coming into the building at 09:00 handing in their phones and then spending hours playing snooker, alongside traditional lessons," said Matt Huart, the WPBSA head of communications.

Conclusion

Zhao Xintong's victory is not just a personal achievement but a significant milestone for Chinese snooker. It marks the beginning of a new era where snooker in China is poised to reach unprecedented heights, inspiring millions and reshaping the sport's future.