Zhao Xintong has opened up on his ban from snooker after beating Mark Williams to win the World Championship on Monday.
The 28-year-old cruised to glory at the Crucible, beating his Welsh opponent 18-12 to etch his name into the history books.
Zhao was previously banned for 20 months after accepting charges of being a party to another snooker player fixing two matches and betting on matches himself.
He has now bounced back in style by winning the ultimate prize, having dominated Williams from start to finish.
Zhao Xintong won the World Snooker Championship on Monday
PA
Speaking to the BBC after his win, Zhao admitted he was shocked at winning the World Championship so soon after being suspended.
And he also made it clear he was delighted with the achievement of becoming the first Chinese player in history to reign supreme in the competition.
"This is like a dream. I can't believe it," he said.
"There was big pressure and big nerves. I knew if I missed he could come back quickly.
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"I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best.
"It is very good for Chinese snooker and I am very happy I have done this for them.
"I can't believe I could become world champion in such a short time [after the ban] so I am so proud of myself. It was nearly two years playing no competition, so my first target was to qualify.
"Now this will give them [children in China] power and in the future many Chinese players can do this."
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ZHAO XINTONG IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! 🏆#HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/z8xyRzHHZ2
— WST (@WeAreWST) May 5, 2025
While Zhao was delighted, Williams cut a dejected figure after his defeat.
The 50-year-old enjoyed a stellar run to the final but, ultimately, came up short.
And Williams confessed that he was second-best throughout the contest, showing class by congratulating his rival on his triumph.
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"Unfortunately I was just never in the final from day one. I was behind from the start and could not get into it," said Williams.
"I said that if I could get out of the first session at 5-3 down it would have been a result, but I was 7-1 down and it was a bit far for me to get back.
"I've got nothing but admiration for what he's done, coming through the qualifiers. He hasn't played for two years, bashed everybody up. There's a new superstar of the game."
Zhao Xintong was hailed by Mark Williams after the Chinese star won the World Snooker Championship
PA
Furthermore, he also compared Zhao to a young Ronnie O'Sullivan.
"He is as good to watch as O'Sullivan was when he was younger. He just strolls around the table and pots balls from anywhere as if he doesn't have a care in the world," he added.
"It's great for our sport to have someone at the top who is so attacking and so young."
