Zhao Xintong received a hero’s welcome upon his arrival back in China after being crowned World Snooker Champion earlier this week, despite still being banned from playing in his homeland
Newly-crowned World Snooker Champion Zhao Xintong was swarmed by adoring fans after returning to his homeland China on Thursday. Just three days after his emphatic 18-12 final victory over Mark Williams in Sheffield, the 28-year-old was greeted by cheers and celebratory signs upon landing at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport.
Swathes of people jostled to catch a glimpse or take a photo of the champion, which speaks volumes about the true scale of the support he has back in his home country.
The euphoric scenes came after Zhao made history as the first amateur to become world champion, as well as the only Asian player to have clinched a title at the Crucible Theatre.
Yet, despite his new-found hero status, regulations from the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) still prevent him from playing in front of his home supporters.
In January 2023, Zhao received a ban due to his role in a match-fixing scandal that included nine other Chinese players.
While the investigation cleared him of fixing matches himself, he admitted to being aware of another player rigging two games and also betting on matches.
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
Zhao is the first player from China to win at the Crucible(Image: PA)
However, the CBSA, which had issued its own 30-month ban, upheld its original decision, meaning Zhao is still unable to compete in China.
“The Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association has now confirmed that their sanction only applies to mainland China and that Zhao Xintong is permitted to play in events outside of China from the end of his WPBSA suspension,” their statement read.
From July 1, 2025, Zhao will be able to compete in tournaments on home soil.
He wasn’t allowed to take part in this year’s World Open at the Yushan Sport Centre, which was won by John Higgins.
And despite the stance of the Chinese authorities, Xintong, who lives just a 10-minute walk from the Crucible, voiced his love for his homeland when arriving at the airport.
Passing through a sea of adoring fans, he announced his aim of winning a Triple Crown and declared: “I’m home,” before adding: “This will always be my home.”
