Why Was Zhao Xintong Banned from Snooker?

Zhao Xintong, once hailed as one of snooker’s brightest rising stars, has recently returned to the spotlight in dramatic fashion. With fans and pundits alike buzzing about his comeback, many are asking the same burning question: what really happened to Zhao Xintong?

Once celebrated for his smooth style and rapid rise, Zhao suddenly vanished from the professional scene, leaving behind a swirl of speculation and unanswered questions. Now, after a long absence and an unexpected return, his story is resurfacing with renewed intrigue.

From whispers of scandal to an inspiring resurgence, Zhao’s journey is anything but ordinary. So, why was he banned, and what brought him back? Let’s unravel the full story.

Who Is Zhao Xintong?

Zhao Xintong was born on April 3, 1997, in Xi’an, China. He began playing snooker at an early age and quickly demonstrated exceptional skill.

His talent was evident during his teenage years when he participated in various junior championships, earning a reputation as one of China’s most promising snooker players. Zhao’s natural flair and aggressive playing style soon caught the attention of snooker enthusiasts worldwide.

In 2016, Zhao moved to the UK to further his career, joining the competitive circuit of the World Snooker Tour. His nickname, “The Cyclone,” reflects his fast-paced and relentless approach on the table.

Zhao’s breakthrough came during the 2021 UK Championship, where he defeated some of the sport’s biggest names to claim his first major title. This victory solidified his status as a rising star in the world of snooker.

Why Is Zhao Xintong Famous in the Snooker World?

Zhao Xintong’s fame in the snooker world stems from several key achievements and attributes:

• First Asian World Snooker Champion: His win at the 2025 World Snooker Championship made him the first Asian player to claim the prestigious title.
• Aggressive Playing Style: Zhao is known for his fearless, fast-paced style, often taking bold shots that leave audiences in awe.
• Nicknamed “The Cyclone”: His rapid play and unpredictable shots earned him the nickname that represents his presence on the green baize.
• Victories Over Top Players: Zhao has famously defeated snooker legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams, cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
• Return from Suspension: His comeback as an amateur to win the World Championship after a 20-month ban showcased resilience and determination.

Zhao’s quick rise to prominence, combined with his dramatic comeback, has made him a central figure in the snooker world, symbolising both controversy and redemption.

What Achievements Did Zhao Xintong Accomplish Before His Ban?

UK Championship Victory (2021)

Zhao Xintong’s major breakthrough came when he won the 2021 UK Championship. This victory marked his first ranking title and established him as one of the elite snooker players on the global stage.

His performance throughout the tournament was exceptional, defeating several top-ranked players with remarkable ease and confidence.

German Masters Champion (2022)

Building on his momentum, Zhao clinched the 2022 German Masters. His dominance in the tournament solidified his reputation as a rising star in snooker. His aggressive playing style and precision shots became a hallmark of his game, impressing fans and critics alike.

World Snooker Tour Success

Before his ban, Zhao was a regular on the World Snooker Tour, competing fiercely against established players. His rapid ascent in the rankings and fearless approach to matches made him a standout player.

Zhao’s consistency and fearless shot selection earned him a spot among the top 16 players in the world before the scandal broke.

Zhao Xintong’s accomplishments before his suspension were a testament to his skill and determination, paving the way for his dramatic comeback to the sport.

When Did the Controversy Around Zhao Xintong Begin?

The controversy surrounding Zhao Xintong began in early 2023, during a large-scale investigation by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

Zhao was one of ten Chinese players implicated in a match-fixing scandal that rocked the snooker community. Reports revealed that Zhao was accused of being involved in betting on matches and participating in activities that compromised the integrity of the sport.

The investigation uncovered a network of players engaging in match manipulation for financial gain. While Zhao did not directly fix his own matches, evidence suggested that he placed bets and was aware of other players intentionally losing games.

His association with Liang Wenbo, who was found guilty of orchestrating match-fixing schemes, further deepened the controversy.

This period marked a significant turning point in Zhao’s career, as the allegations led to his suspension from the World Snooker Tour and a lengthy investigation by the governing body.

Why Was Zhao Xintong Banned from the Snooker Championship?

Involvement in Match-Fixing Activities

Zhao Xintong’s ban stemmed from his involvement in match-fixing activities that violated the WPBSA’s strict regulations.

He was accused of being party to another player fixing matches and placing bets on snooker games, which is a direct breach of snooker’s code of conduct.

Connection with Liang Wenbo

The investigation revealed Zhao’s association with Liang Wenbo, who was found guilty of manipulating match outcomes for betting purposes.

Zhao, while not directly throwing matches himself, was found to have placed bets and supported Wenbo’s activities. This association contributed significantly to the decision to suspend him.

20-Month Suspension

In 2023, following the investigation, Zhao was handed a 20-month suspension. This decision removed him from the professional circuit, forcing him to play as an amateur upon his return.

Despite the setback, Zhao’s commitment to the sport led him to qualify for major tournaments, culminating in his historic World Championship win.

Zhao’s ban highlighted the sport’s commitment to maintaining integrity and enforcing strict consequences for violations of its ethical standards.

What Are the Match-Fixing Allegations Against Zhao Xintong?

The match-fixing allegations against Zhao Xintong were part of a broader investigation into corruption within professional snooker. Key points of the allegations include:

• Betting on Snooker Matches: Zhao admitted to placing bets on snooker matches, which is a violation of WPBSA rules.
• Involvement with Other Players: He was accused of being party to match-fixing activities orchestrated by fellow Chinese players, particularly Liang Wenbo.
• Attempted Match Manipulation: Although Zhao did not directly throw his own matches, he was aware of match-fixing activities and participated in betting.
• Genuine Remorse: Reports suggest Zhao expressed genuine remorse for his involvement and cooperated fully with the investigation.

Despite not actively throwing matches himself, Zhao’s involvement in betting and his association with other match-fixers led to his suspension from the sport.

How Did the World Snooker Governing Body Respond to the Accusations?

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) responded swiftly and decisively to the allegations against Zhao Xintong.

As part of a broader investigation into match-fixing within professional snooker, the WPBSA launched a formal inquiry that targeted ten Chinese players, including Zhao. Their response included the following actions:

Immediate Suspension

Upon confirmation of Zhao’s involvement, the WPBSA imposed an immediate suspension from all professional snooker events.

This suspension barred him from participating in any WPBSA-governed tournaments, including the World Snooker Tour.

Thorough Investigation

The WPBSA conducted an in-depth investigation to understand the extent of Zhao’s involvement. This included reviewing match footage, analysing betting patterns, and conducting interviews with players and officials associated with the allegations.

Disciplinary Hearing and Verdict

Zhao’s case, along with those of the other accused players, was brought before an independent disciplinary panel.

The findings concluded that while Zhao did not actively throw matches, he participated in match-fixing activities by placing bets and associating with other players involved in corruption.

20-Month Ban

As a result of the panel’s findings, Zhao received a 20-month ban from professional snooker. His ban, which began in 2023, forced him out of the professional circuit and required him to compete as an amateur upon his return.

The WPBSA’s response was part of a broader initiative to restore integrity within the sport, sending a clear message that corruption would not be tolerated. Zhao’s ban was a critical step in maintaining the sport’s reputation and ensuring fair play.

Did Zhao Xintong Admit to Any Wrongdoing During the Investigation?

Yes, Zhao Xintong did admit to some level of wrongdoing during the investigation. According to the WPBSA’s disciplinary report, Zhao acknowledged that he had placed bets on snooker matches and was aware of other players intentionally throwing games.

His admissions were crucial in reducing his ban from an initial two years to 20 months. Zhao’s cooperation with the investigation was highlighted as a significant factor in the disciplinary panel’s decision. He expressed “genuine remorse” for his involvement and showed a willingness to assist with the inquiry.

Unlike some of his peers, Zhao did not attempt to hide his activities and reportedly tried to discourage others, such as Yan Bingtao, from participating in match-fixing.

His admission was seen as a step toward redemption, demonstrating accountability for his actions. This cooperation ultimately contributed to his eligibility to return to competition as an amateur after his suspension period.

What Impact Has Zhao Xintong’s Suspension Had on the Snooker Community?

Zhao Xintong’s suspension sent shockwaves through the snooker world, exposing the sport’s vulnerability to corruption.

In China, where snooker has enjoyed rising popularity, his involvement in a match-fixing scandal deeply disappointed fans and dented the image of Chinese snooker.

Zhao was a symbol of promise, and his fall from grace raised serious concerns about ethics in the sport.

The incident also prompted wider scrutiny, as other Chinese players were implicated, intensifying discussions around discipline and player conduct.

Globally, the snooker community viewed Zhao’s ban as a critical moment for reflection. The WPBSA was commended for taking decisive action, reinforcing its commitment to fairness.

In response, betting rules were reviewed and tighter regulations were introduced to prevent future violations. Despite the controversy, Zhao’s story has also become one of redemption.

His return and unexpected success as an amateur sparked debate about second chances and highlighted the resilience and transformative potential within the sport.

Is There a Path for Zhao Xintong to Return to Professional Snooker?

Yes, Zhao Xintong’s return to professional snooker is already underway. After serving a 20-month suspension, he entered the Q Tour, a pathway for amateur players aiming to rejoin the main professional circuit.

Zhao performed exceptionally well, securing wins in cities like Manchester, Sweden, Austria, and Belgium, showcasing not just his skill but his determination.

His remarkable amateur comeback culminated in a stunning victory at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, proving he still possesses elite-level talent.

The WPBSA has acknowledged his compliance with the terms of his ban and his apparent remorse, clearing the way for a professional return. His reinstatement reflects the sport’s recognition of rehabilitation and second chances.

Zhao’s journey demonstrates that talent, when coupled with resilience and accountability, can restore a career once thought lost.

As he re-enters the professional ranks, he’s not just playing for titles but also to rebuild trust with fans, fellow players, and the sport itself.

Conclusion

Zhao Xintong’s journey in the world of snooker is both remarkable and controversial. His rise from a promising talent to the first Asian World Snooker Champion is a testament to his skill and determination.

However, his involvement in match-fixing, which led to a 20-month ban, cast a shadow over his career. Despite this setback, Zhao returned stronger than ever, winning the World Championship as an amateur, a feat that stunned the snooker community.

His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity in sports and the possibilities of redemption. Zhao’s path forward remains bright, with his return to professional snooker marking a new chapter in his career.

FAQs About Zhao Xintong’s Ban from Snooker

What is Zhao Xintong’s ranking before his ban?

Before his suspension, Zhao Xintong was ranked ninth in the world, reflecting his strong performances in major tournaments.

How long could Zhao Xintong’s suspension last?

Zhao Xintong’s suspension lasted for 20 months, allowing him to return to competitive play as an amateur in September of the following year.

Are other Chinese snooker players involved in similar scandals?

Yes, other Chinese players, including Liang Wenbo and Yan Bingtao, were also involved, with some receiving lifetime bans for their roles in match-fixing.

What steps does the World Snooker Tour take to prevent match-fixing?

The World Snooker Tour enforces strict anti-corruption measures, regular monitoring, and severe penalties for any player involved in match-fixing.

Has Zhao Xintong made any public statements about the allegations?

Zhao expressed remorse during the investigation and cooperated fully with the WPBSA, although he has remained mostly silent in public about the specifics.

Can Zhao Xintong appeal the decision made by the governing body?

Zhao Xintong accepted his suspension and did not pursue an appeal, instead focusing on his comeback through the Q Tour.

What are the typical punishments for match-fixing in snooker?

Punishments for match-fixing in snooker include suspensions, lifetime bans, and loss of ranking points, depending on the severity of the offense.