Zhao makes history as China's first World Snooker champion

China's Zhao Xintong became the first Asian player to win the Snooker World Championship after beating veteran Mark Williams 18-12 on Monday.

Zhao Xintong competes during the final between Zhao Xintong of China and Mark Williams of Wales at World Snooker Championship 2025 in Sheffield, Britain, May 5, 2025. (Photo by Zhai Zheng/Xinhua)

Zhao, 28, dominated Sunday's first two sessions at 11-6 and improved his advantage to 17-8 after the third session on Monday.

Zhao served out a 20-month ban for breaching betting regulations last September and earned his place at the world championship by winning four qualifiers as an amateur.