Zhao Xintong, a rising star in the world of professional snooker, has triumphantly returned to the World Snooker Tour after serving a 20-month suspension for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. The ban, imposed in the summer of 2023, stemmed from Xintong’s admitted participation in fixing two matches in March 2022, alongside another player. Furthermore, he confessed to betting on snooker matches over a three-year period. In addition to the suspension, Xintong was also required to pay £7,500 in costs. His return journey began on the Q Tour, a secondary professional tour, following the expiration of his suspension in September.
Xintong’s comeback has been nothing short of remarkable. He dominated the Q Tour, accumulating several event wins and even achieving the first-ever 147 maximum break on the tour. This impressive performance secured him the top spot in the WPBSA Q Tour Europe rankings, guaranteeing him a coveted two-year World Snooker Tour card. This hard-earned return provides Xintong with another opportunity to compete against the elite players in the sport, a chance he relishes. He had already briefly faced Shaun Murphy in the UK Championship qualifiers during his suspension period, a glimpse of the competition he yearned to rejoin.
Xintong expressed immense joy and relief at his return, acknowledging the difficulty of the journey back. He emphasized the high standard of competition on the Q Tour and the importance of consistently performing well to rebuild his confidence after a long absence from competitive play. While securing his tour card provides a sense of accomplishment, Xintong remains ambitious and driven to succeed. He expressed his desire to win the Q Tour title and aims to rediscover his championship form on the World Snooker Tour.
The young snooker player acknowledges the mistakes of his past, recognizing the significance of snooker in his life and expressing remorse for his actions. The two-year period away from the professional circuit was a time of reflection and dedicated practice, fueling his determination to regain his place amongst the top players. Xintong believes that with consistent performance and unwavering self-belief, he can compete against anyone and is eager to prove himself once more.
Xintong’s return coincides with a period of rich history in the world of snooker. The World Snooker Championship, first held in 1927, has witnessed numerous legendary players etching their names into the annals of the sport. From the dominance of Joe Davis in the early years to the modern era’s shared record held by Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan, each with seven world titles, the championship has consistently showcased exceptional talent and dramatic competition.
The modern era of snooker, recognized from 1968/69 onwards, has witnessed a succession of champions, each leaving their mark on the sport. From Ray Reardon’s six titles to Steve Davis’s reign in the 1980s, and the emergence of Stephen Hendry in the 1990s, the World Championship has provided a platform for snooker’s greatest players. More recently, Ronnie O’Sullivan has equaled Hendry’s record, while other notable players like John Higgins and Mark Selby have also achieved multiple world titles, solidifying snooker’s competitive landscape.
