Zhao Xintong’s Snooker Comeback: From Scandal to 147 Break
If redemption stories catch your eye, the tale of Zhao Xintong is one for the books. After spending nearly two years on the sidelines, tangled in a match-fixing scandal that rocked the snooker world, Zhao, now 27, isn’t just back—he’s making noise with a rare maximum 147 break and capturing his first title since the ban.
Zhao’s time away from the professional circuit wasn’t voluntary. In 2022, he was caught up in a sweeping investigation that turned the spotlight on Chinese snooker, implicating ten players in total. Admitting to having inside knowledge of fixed matches and placing bets—a serious breach, but not direct fixing—earned him a 20-month suspension, while his peers faced harsher fates. Liang Wenbo and Li Hang, for example, got lifetime bans, while Yan Bingtao was suspended for five years. The scandal set off alarm bells for how the sport protects its integrity, and the repercussions for those involved were swift and severe.
When Zhao’s ban ended in September 2023, few knew what to expect. Once considered a prodigy after winning the 2021 UK Championship, his future was suddenly uncertain. Instead of giving up, Zhao started grinding again through qualifying events, fighting to reclaim his snooker status. It wasn’t glamorous—think low-profile venues and little fanfare—but it was a fresh shot at rebuilding what the scandal tarnished.
The real breakthrough came in Stockholm at the Q Tour 3 event, where Zhao edged out Craig Steadman with a tight 4-3 win in the final. This victory was huge—not only did it mark Zhao’s first post-ban trophy, but it sent a clear message: he’s still got the nerve and skill to compete at the top. For a player demoted to amateur status and forced to start over, every win is a statement. And as if that wasn’t headline-worthy enough, Zhao also delivered a sparkling 147 maximum break—a perfect score that sends chills through even veteran snooker fans.
Now, Zhao is back in the draw for the World Championship, up against Jak Jones in the first round. But it isn’t just his return making waves. This year, a record ten Chinese players made it to the World Championship qualifiers—a big jump considering the sport’s European roots and the controversy’s fresh wounds. It signals both the resilience within Chinese snooker and the sport’s ongoing globalization, even after a storm of scandals.
But make no mistake—Zhao’s journey hasn’t been easy. The shadow of his suspension will linger for a while, especially with fans and officials alike watching his next steps closely. The way he’s handled his return, from quiet amateur events to headline-making performances, shows a kind of determination that goes beyond winnings and titles. With that 147 break, Zhao firmly put his name back in the conversation, challenging both the stigma of the past and the expectations for Chinese players going forward.
Chinese Snooker and the Ripple Effect of Scandal
The fallout from the scandal changed the landscape for Chinese snooker. With lifetime bans and massive suspensions, a whole generation of players saw their dreams freeze overnight. Meanwhile, fresh faces from China are now leading a resurgence, eager to prove the country’s snooker pedigree runs deeper than one bad chapter.
The strict penalties handed out were meant to send a message: snooker will not tolerate any threats to its credibility. Zhao’s particular case—where he acknowledged awareness but didn’t actively fix matches—gave him a path back, but that path came with many lessons and even more eyes on him.
As he lines up against Jak Jones, all eyes are glued to the table: can Zhao keep his cool under the bright lights again? His story isn’t just about personal redemption—it’s about the future of snooker in China, and a sporting community determined not to let one scandal define them. Zhao’s comeback, marked by that brilliant 147, is proof that this chapter of snooker isn’t finished yet.
