Jimmy White has fired a warning to the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump following Zhao Xintong’s stunning Crucible triumph. Zhao has been crowned China’s first world snooker champion after withstanding a stirring comeback from Mark Williams to complete an 18-12 win in Sheffield.
As well as the famous trophy, Zhao collected a cheque for £500,000 as he became only the third qualifier and the first amateur player to triumph at the Crucible, having lost his tour card in January 2023 for his part in a match-fixing scandal, which saw him serve a 20-month suspension. Having won the UK Championship in 2021 – before his ban – Zhao was an amateur in name only. He will be back on the tour full-time next season when he will be a major threat to the likes of world No.1 Trump, 2024 world champion Kyren Wilson and O’Sullivan, assuming the Rocket decides to play on in 2025/26.
Snooker legend Jimmy White, 63, who will be on the tour himself after receiving an invitational card, is convinced Zhao will win many more titles over the next few years. Speaking on TNT Sports, the Whirlwind said: “What a player. It’s just about playing snooker [for him]. He’s got that natural gift and he’s played fantastic.
“When he beat Jak Jones I said if the draw pans out and he stays with O’Sullivan in the first session, I think he can go on and win it.”
White didn’t even think Zhao was at his best during the tournament, adding: “This kid can win multiple World Championships. We’ve all known about him and he’s just proved it. At ease, he’s won this World Championship in probably third to fourth gear
Beaten finalist Williams is also expecting big things from Zhao over the next few years. The Welshman said: “He 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. Xintong is going to be a national hero now.
“He’ll be on the front page of every news outlet going and I’m sure there are Chinese companies ready to throw zillions at him. It’s great for our sport to have someone at the top who is so attacking and so young.”
