Zhao Xintong, a Chinese professional snooker player known for his rapid-fire attacking style that earned him the nickname “Tempo King,” has experienced a career trajectory marked by brilliant highs and significant challenges. At 28 years old (as of May 3, 2025), he remains one of the most compelling figures in the sport, currently navigating a comeback following a period of suspension.
Born on April 3, 1997, Zhao turned professional in 2016 and quickly impressed the snooker world with his fearless potting and entertaining approach to the game. His aggressive style, characterized by fast break-building and audacious shot-making, made him a fan favourite and a formidable opponent.
His breakthrough came in December 2021 when he won the prestigious UK Championship, defeating Luca Brecel in the final. This victory was significant, marking his first ranking title and elevating him into the sport’s elite. He followed this up just a few months later by winning the German Masters in January 2022, solidifying his position as a top player and climbing as high as world number 6 in the rankings.
However, Zhao’s promising career faced an abrupt halt in early 2023 when he, along with several other Chinese players, was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) amidst allegations of match-fixing. Following an independent disciplinary tribunal, Zhao was found guilty of being a party to another player fixing matches and betting on snooker between 2019 and 2022. While he was cleared of fixing his own matches, he received a ban from professional competition.
Initially facing a longer suspension, his ban was reduced to 20 months due to his early admissions and guilty plea, with the ban effective until September 1, 2024. This period away from the main tour saw his ranking plummet.
Upon the expiry of his WPBSA ban, Zhao became eligible to compete again from September 2024. He began his return on the amateur Q Tour circuit, demonstrating his talent had not diminished by winning multiple events and securing a new two-year tour card to regain his place on the professional World Snooker Tour for the 2025-26 season.
His competitive return to the highest level in the 2024-25 season, playing under amateur status while awaiting his professional tour card for the next season, has been remarkable. He successfully qualified for major events, including the 2025 World Snooker Championship. Staged in April and May 2025, his performance at the Crucible Theatre has been a significant comeback story, culminating in him reaching the semi-finals, where he notably defeated seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan to reach the final, becoming only the second Chinese player to do so.
Zhao Xintong’s journey in snooker has been a compelling narrative of a prodigious talent who reached the pinnacle of the sport rapidly, faced a severe setback, and is now demonstrating incredible resilience and skill in his return. His performance in the 2025 World Championship highlights his enduring ability and signals his intent to once again compete at the very highest level of professional snooker. His future in the sport, now that his ban is served and he has regained professional status, looks bright once more as he aims to rebuild his ranking and add further titles to his name.