A British snooker star has benefited from Zhao Xintong’s remarkable World Championship triumph earlier this month. The Chinese ace defeated Mark Williams to claim his first Crucible crown, having started the tournament as a qualifier.
Zhao had initially qualified for a two-year tour card via the amateur Q Tour rankings. The former World No. 5 is rebuilding his career after serving a 20-month ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. But his victory in Sheffield and subsequent climb to No. 11 in the world rankings now secures his official passage onto the tour. His success on the Q Tour no longer matters, meaning the player ranked below him in the European qualifying campaign is handed the golden ticket onto the professional tour instead.
The man set to win that tour card is Dylan Emery. The 24-year-old Welshman will now play on the professional tour next season.
Emery is one of Britain’s most highly-rated stars. He has won a place on the tour thanks to Zhao’s victory. The youngster has previously reached the last-32 of seven ranking events, although he is yet to qualify for the main World Championship draw.
A World Snooker Tour statement said: “With overall Q Tour Europe winner Zhao Xintong having subsequently gone on to regain his place as a top 64 player following his historic success at the recent World Championship.
“In accordance with the Q Tour entry conditions, which state that the top-ranked eligible player will receive a World Snooker Tour card, Emery will therefore take the place.”
