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‘It’s like a dream – I can’t believe it’

Zhao becoes China's first world snooker champion

Zhao Xintong lifts the trophy after the final match against Mark Williams (not pictured) following day seventeen of the Halo World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, May 5, 2025

ZHAO XINTONG was crowned China’s first world snooker champion on a defining night for the sport in Sheffield and his vanquished opponent Mark Williams believes the sky is the limit for the new Crucible king.

Williams, a member of the fabled “Class of ’92,” conjured comparisons with a young Ronnie O’Sullivan after Zhao withstood a gutsy fightback from the veteran Welshman to wrap up an historic 18-12 victory.

Williams said: “He [Zhao] 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.

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