Who is Zhao Xintong?​

Zhao Xintong is a Chinese professional snooker player known for his rapid playing style and exceptional cue control. Born on April 3, 1997, in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, Zhao rose to prominence in the snooker world with significant victories, including the 2021 UK Championship and the 2022 German Masters. His career faced a setback in 2023 due to a suspension related to a match-fixing investigation. However, he made a remarkable comeback in 2025, reaching the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship as an amateur—a historic achievement in the sport.​

🧒 Early Life and Education

Zhao Xintong was born on April 3, 1997, in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. From a young age, he exhibited a natural aptitude for snooker, a sport that was gaining popularity in China during his formative years. Details about his early education are limited, but his dedication to snooker was evident as he began participating in amateur tournaments across Asia. His early exposure to competitive play laid the foundation for his future success on the professional circuit.

💞 Love Story

Zhao Xintong has largely kept his romantic life away from the spotlight, focusing instead on his snooker career. As of 2025, there are no confirmed public relationships or known romantic affiliations. Zhao has been occasionally linked with fellow players or personalities within the snooker community, but none have been substantiated by official sources or media coverage. His calm and reserved demeanor off the table mirrors his private approach to personal matters. Fans often speculate about his relationship status, but Zhao appears committed to his professional comeback and has not publicly disclosed any romantic partner. His current focus seems to be on rebuilding his reputation in the sport following his suspension and achieving new milestones.

🧒 Childhood

Zhao Xintong was born and raised in Xi’an, a historic city in the Shaanxi province of China. From a young age, he demonstrated a sharp mind and extraordinary hand-eye coordination, traits that would serve him well in snooker. Encouraged by his family, Zhao began playing snooker as a child, often practicing at local clubs and watching professional matches. He quickly stood out among his peers for his strategic thinking and natural flair on the table. His childhood was largely centered around his training and development as a snooker player, with less emphasis on a traditional school path as he pursued a competitive sports career early on. This early dedication to the game laid the foundation for his rapid rise in China’s snooker circuits and later on the global stage.

​👨‍👩‍👦 Family and Personal Life

Zhao maintains a private personal life, with limited public information about his family. He has not disclosed details about his parents or siblings, choosing to keep his focus on his professional career. Known for his calm demeanor and professionalism, Zhao has earned respect within the snooker community. He currently resides in Sheffield, England, a city renowned for its snooker heritage, where he trains and competes.

🧬 Detailed Biography Table

🎱 Career

🏁 Early Career and Rise

Zhao’s talent became evident in his teenage years. In 2012, at just 15, he reached the last 16 of the Zhangjiagang Open, defeating seasoned players like Xiao Guodong and Yu Delu. His performance caught the attention of the snooker world, with six-time world champion Steve Davis describing him as “astonishingly good” and comparing him to a young Ronnie O’Sullivan. ​

In 2015, Zhao reached the final of the IBSF World Snooker Championship but lost to Pankaj Advani. However, Advani declined the professional tour card, allowing Zhao to turn professional in 2016. ​

🏆 Breakthrough and Titles

Zhao’s breakthrough came in the 2021–22 season. He won his first ranking title at the 2021 UK Championship, defeating Luca Brecel 10–5 in the final. This victory elevated him into the top 16 of the world rankings. He continued his success by winning the 2022 German Masters, where he whitewashed Yan Bingtao 9–0 in the final, becoming only the third player to achieve such a feat in a ranking event final. ​

🏆 Zhao Xintong Career Highlights

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This table encapsulates Zhao Xintong’s journey from a promising young talent to a professional snooker player, his significant victories, the challenges faced due to suspension, and his remarkable comeback through the Q Tour, culminating in a historic run at the 2025 World Snooker Championship.

🚫 Suspension and Return

In January 2023, Zhao faced a significant setback when he was suspended for 20 months due to his involvement in a match-fixing investigation. Although he did not fix matches himself, he was found guilty of being a party to another player’s fixing and betting on matches. ​

After serving his suspension, Zhao returned to competitive play in September 2024 on the Q Tour. He made an immediate impact by winning multiple events and achieving the first 147 maximum break in Q Tour history.

🎯 Recent Achievements

In 2025, Zhao made history by becoming the first amateur to reach the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre. His victory over Chris Wakelin not only earned him a £100,000 prize but also activated a little-known World Snooker Tour rule, allowing him to retain ranking points and earn a one-year professional card. ​

📱 Social Media Accounts

Note: Zhao primarily engages with fans through Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform. Other official accounts are not publicly verified.

📰 Latest News: Zhao Xintong’s Historic Semi-Final Run

​As of May 1, 2025, Zhao Xintong continues to captivate the snooker world with his remarkable performance at the World Snooker Championship. In a historic run, Zhao, returning from a 20-month suspension due to a match-fixing investigation, has reached the semi-finals at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. He secured his spot by defeating Chris Wakelin 13–5 in the quarter-finals, becoming the first amateur to advance this far in the tournament’s history. This victory not only earned him a guaranteed £100,000 but also activated a little-known World Snooker Tour rule, allowing him to retain ranking points and granting him a one-year professional card, effectively reinstating his professional status .​

Today, Zhao faces seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals. The match marks Zhao’s first best-of-33 encounter, a significant milestone in his career. Reflecting on his journey, Zhao expressed his excitement and determination, stating, “When I was a kid, watching snooker on TV and seeing the semis and final here, it was such a powerful image. And now that I’m standing there myself, I feel really happy. Of course, I still hope I can go one step further and win the semi-final, maybe even challenge for the title” .

Zhao’s impressive comeback and deep run in the championship have not only reignited his career but also inspired many, highlighting his resilience and passion for the sport.

📏 Height and Physical Appearance

Zhao Xintong stands at approximately 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches) tall. He possesses a lean physique, which complements his agile and swift playing style on the snooker table. Known for his youthful appearance and calm demeanor, Zhao maintains a professional presence during matches. His physical fitness and sharp reflexes contribute to his reputation as one of the most exciting talents in the sport.​

💰 Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Zhao Xintong’s estimated net worth is around £1.2 million. This valuation considers his tournament winnings, endorsements, and other income sources. His recent performance at the World Snooker Championship, where he secured a £100,000 prize, has significantly contributed to his earnings. Despite the setback due to his suspension, Zhao’s successful return to professional snooker indicates a promising financial trajectory moving forward.

For football enthusiasts interested in standout European talents, Denzel Dumfries continues to make headlines with his powerful performances and defensive prowess. You can explore more about his career and recent achievements on DataElle’s detailed profile. Meanwhile, shifting to the tennis world, rising star Gabriel Diallo is capturing attention on the international stage. Learn more about his journey and growing impact on the sport through Nexipedia’s comprehensive article.​

Zhao Xintong’s journey in professional snooker is a testament to resilience and talent. From early successes to overcoming challenges, his story continues to inspire fans and aspiring players worldwide

FAQS

• Why was Zhao suspended?
  Zhao Xintong was suspended due to match-fixing allegations investigated by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

• Who is the most successful Chinese snooker player?
  Ding Junhui is considered the most successful Chinese snooker player, with multiple ranking titles and a peak world ranking of No. 1.

• What did Xintong do?
  Zhao Xintong was found guilty of breaching betting rules and fixing matches, leading to his suspension.

• What is Zhao Xintong doing now?
  As of now, Zhao Xintong is serving a suspension from professional snooker but is expected to return following the end of his ban period.

• What does Xintong mean?
  “Xintong” (欣彤) is a Chinese given name; the meaning can vary based on the characters used, but it often conveys positivity, such as “joyful” or “beautiful red.”