World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong wins historic first title for China
‘I can’t believe what I’ve done,’ Zhao says after clinching world crown by dominating Mark Williams at the Crucible in Sheffield
Zhao Xintong completed China’s arrival as a snooker powerhouse by becoming its first winner of the World Championship in England late on Monday.
An 18-12 defeat of Mark Williams in the final at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre clinched a breakthrough triumph for Zhao that promises to inspire future generations in his home country – now snooker’s biggest market.
Resuming with a 17-8 lead and needing one more frame to complete victory, the 28-year-old proceeded to lose the first four to his veteran opponent, before getting over the finish line in the fifth.
“I can’t believe what I’ve done. I’m very excited,” Zhao, draped in China’s flag, told the Crucible audience. “I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and gave me so much pressure. He’s the best.
“I want to say thank you for everybody coming here, a nice crowd. Thank you everybody.”
