Zhao Xintong

Zhao Xintong achieved his first ranking title at the 2021 UK Championship, defeating Luca Brecel 10–5, a victory that propelled him into the top 16 of the snooker world rankings. His professional career began in the 2016–17 season, where he quickly demonstrated his talent by reaching the last 16 of a ranking event for the first time at the 2017 German Masters. After regaining professional status via the 2018 Q School, Xintong reached his first professional ranking semi-final at the 2018 China Championship. He made his debut in a Triple Crown event at the 2015 UK Championship and qualified for the World Snooker Championship for the first time in 2019, consistently progressing through the ranks of professional snooker.

In an historic turn of events, Xintong, still competing as an amateur, went on to win the 2025 World Snooker Championship, defeating Mark Williams 18–12 in the final. This monumental victory made him the first Chinese player, the first Asian player, and the first amateur in the sport’s history to claim the World Snooker Championship title. This triumph marked a significant turning point in his career, re-establishing him as a top-tier competitor and placing him 11th in the world rankings upon his official return to the professional tour.