This video can not be played 'What a performance!' - Zhao beats O'Sullivan with session to spare Zhao Xintong began this season suspended from snooker after a match-fixing scandal but is tipped to be the sport's new "megastar" if he becomes the first Chinese player to win the World Championship. The 28-year-old, who lives just a 10-minute walk from the Crucible venue in Sheffield, is one match away from joining Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy as the only qualifiers to land snooker's biggest prize since the tournament's 1977 move to South Yorkshire. Should he triumph on Monday, he will be the only amateur to triumph in the Crucible era and the youngest winner since Murphy in 2005. Zhao, who hails from Xi'an in north central China, moved to the UK in 2016 and will be appearing in the third ranking event final of his career. "Winning the championship is the big dream for Chinese snooker," said Zhao, who will face either world number one Judd Trump or three-time winner Mark Williams on Sunday. "It is still very far because I have one last round against one of the top players of the world. Everyone says that no Chinese player has won it before, but I will just try to enjoy it. "When I was eight to 10 years old it was my first time to play snooker and from that moment it has been really far [to get to this point]. If you want to become a good player you need to do this [move away from home] even though it is very hard." He previously won the UK Championship in 2021 and the German Masters in 2022, but his burgeoning career was abruptly stopped when he was one of 10 players from China sanctioned in 2023 following an investigation into match-fixing. Zhao did not directly throw a match, but he accepted charges of being a party to another player fixing two matches and betting on matches himself, and for those offences he received a 20-month ban. He returned to action in September on the amateur Q Tour and has won events in Manchester, Sweden, Austria and Belgium, while he also qualified for the UK Championship and lost to Shaun Murphy in the first round. At the World Championship, Zhao had to advance through four qualifying rounds and then get past beaten 2024 Crucible finalist Jak Jones, Lei Peifan and Chris Wakelin just to reach the semi-finals. Zhao, nicknamed 'The Cyclone', swept seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan asidewith a session to sparein the last four, to record his 46th win in 48 matches since returning from his ban. As a result of his suspension, Zhao lost his place on the World Snooker Tour and his professional status, although he has secured his card to return to the elite tour next term. The match-fixing case cast a shadow over the sport in China. A world final delivers an almost immediate shot at redemption following what Jason Ferguson - the chairman of governing body the WPBSA - described as a "heartbreaking" episode that also involved former Masters champion Yan Bingtao. Yet the nature of that transgression means some around the game feel it could spoil the celebrations if a long-awaited Asian world champion is crowned on Monday. "Zhao's ban has been served and he is perfectly entitled to be competing again, but I've found the flowery language since his return somewhat befuddling given the circumstances," said snooker journalist Nick Metcalfe. "I was in York the night he picked up the UK title and the announcer shouted the words: 'A star is born.' "So this is not some newcomer to the snooker public. It honestly feels at times like praise has taken the place of scrutiny. I'm also not convinced the timing is ideal for the sport if Zhao wins the world title now. "Coming so soon after the ban, some of the headlines - certainly from outside the snooker bubble - might well be the last thing the sport needs. "We all presumed that a first Chinese world champion would be a special moment for everyone in the game, almost a moment of unalloyed joy, but I'm sure that won't be the case if Zhao claims the title this weekend." In contrast, Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport which controls much of the professional game, said of Zhao: "He has served a ban for what some people would call a very minor offence. "He's a quality player and I think he's a nice young man. Rules are rules and you take it on the chin. If you make a mistake in life, you don't look back, you look forward. "He's looking forward to being world snooker champion. That's his dream. When you've paid a price for something the slate's clear, otherwise you have no life forever." Zhao will climb into the top 16 in the world rankings if he wins the £500,000 top prize Since the turn of the century, there has been a British winner at the Crucible in every year apart from 2010 and 2023, when Australia's Neil Robertson and Belgium's Luca Brecel tasted success. But the game's popularity in China has boomed ever since a shy Ding Junhui defeated seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry to win the 2005 China Open, two days after his 18th birthday. That encounter was watched by a reported television audience of 110 million people in the country and since then the nation's hopes of a first world champion have largely rested on the shoulders of Ding, who was runner-up to Mark Selby in 2016. O'Sullivan believes that, in Zhao, the nation finally has a player with talent and temperament to fulfil that ambition. "I think it would be amazing. If he did win, he would be a megastar," said O'Sullivan. "He's still very big in China as it is. But if he becomes world champion it would just be amazing for snooker and for his life as well. He can definitely get over the line." The World Championship final will be available to every TV household in China on CCTV5 and World Snooker expects a potential audience of up to 150 million. This video can not be played 'Balls all over the Crucible floor' as pocket breaks during semi-final China is snooker's biggest market in the television landscape, making up more than 50% of its global audience. "If a Chinese player became a world champion, there's no doubt that player would become a national hero," said WPBSA boss Ferguson. "It would be magical, a historic moment, a real shift in the sport, and I can't tell you the media frenzy it would cause for snooker around the world." John Parrott, who won at the Crucible in 1991, added: "We have been talking about it for years and years. "Ding has been close and a real ambassador for China, but Zhao being in the final means the viewing figures will be off the charts. Just imagine what it will do for the game over there. "It has been a phenomenal achievement. He is brilliantly talented. There does not look to be any fatigue involved. He is just waltzing around the table. He is almost like a ghost, he floats around the place and looks very similar to Jimmy White in his younger days."
Match-fixing scandal to Crucible final - fall and rise of Zhao
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Zhao Xintong Approaches Historic World Championship Final After Overcoming Suspension"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Zhao Xintong, a 28-year-old snooker player from Xi'an, China, has made a remarkable comeback this season following a suspension due to a match-fixing scandal. Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Zhao is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone by potentially becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship. Living just a short walk from the Crucible venue in Sheffield, he is one match away from joining the ranks of snooker legends like Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy. Zhao's journey to the final has been nothing short of impressive, as he navigated through four qualifying rounds and defeated formidable opponents, including the seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals. His performance has drawn attention not only for his skill but also for the implications his victory could have on the sport's reputation in China, where snooker has seen a significant rise in popularity since the early 2000s.
Zhao’s past, however, looms over his potential triumph. He was among ten players sanctioned in 2023 for match-fixing, a situation that cast a shadow over the sport in China. Although he accepted responsibility for his involvement without directly throwing a match, his 20-month ban raised questions about the timing of his return to elite competition. As he prepares for the final against either world number one Judd Trump or three-time champion Mark Williams, the snooker community is divided. Some view Zhao's potential victory as a redemption arc, while others express concern that it may overshadow the celebration of a first Asian world champion. Prominent figures in snooker, including players and journalists, have voiced mixed opinions about the implications of his success on the sport’s integrity. Nonetheless, Zhao remains focused on his goal, stating that winning the championship is his dream and acknowledging the challenges he faced to reach this point.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the remarkable journey of Zhao Xintong, who has emerged from a match-fixing scandal to potentially become a snooker superstar. His story resonates deeply within the snooker community and beyond, reflecting themes of redemption, talent, and the struggle for recognition in a sport that has historically been dominated by Western players.
Public Perception and Narrative Control
By focusing on Zhao's comeback, the article aims to create a narrative of resilience and triumph against adversity. This narrative serves to inspire both fans and aspiring players, particularly from underrepresented regions like China. The emphasis on his potential as a "megastar" suggests a broader goal of promoting snooker in China, where the sport is gaining popularity. However, the article omits details about the match-fixing scandal's implications, which could lead to questions about transparency and accountability within the sport.
Possible Hidden Agendas
While celebrating Zhao's achievements, the article may divert attention from the larger issue of match-fixing in snooker. This focus could be a method of reassuring fans and stakeholders that the sport is moving forward positively, despite the recent scandal. By portraying Zhao in a heroic light, the article may downplay the seriousness of the offenses he committed, thereby influencing public opinion regarding the integrity of the sport.
Reliability and Manipulation Indicators
The reliability of the information presented is high, given its factual basis on Zhao's achievements and the context of his suspension. However, the narrative could be seen as manipulative due to its selective emphasis on Zhao's redemption story while glossing over the darker aspects of his past. The language used is uplifting and hopeful, which can skew perception and foster a sense of loyalty among supporters but may also mislead those unaware of the full context.
Comparison with Other News
In relation to other sports news, this article stands out for its focus on an individual athlete's journey rather than a broader commentary on the sport or its current state. There may be a trend in sports journalism to highlight personal stories of struggle and success, particularly in light of recent scandals across various sports. Such narratives can foster a more engaging connection with audiences, shifting focus away from systemic issues.
Impact on Society and Economy
Zhao's potential victory and rise in the snooker world could have implications for the sport's popularity in China, potentially leading to increased investment and interest in snooker as a whole. This could positively impact local economies through increased event attendance and sponsorships. Furthermore, a successful Chinese player could inspire a new generation of players, further solidifying the country's presence in the sport.
Community Support and Target Audience
The narrative is likely to resonate with young athletes and fans, particularly those from China, who may see Zhao as a figure of hope. It appeals to communities that value perseverance and success against odds, reinforcing a positive image of Chinese athletes on the global stage.
Market Influence
While the article may not directly influence stock markets, the success of Zhao could impact companies involved in snooker sponsorships and merchandise. As snooker gains traction in China, brands seeking to capitalize on this momentum might see an opportunity for growth.
Geopolitical Context
This news piece does not directly address geopolitical issues but reflects a broader trend of increasing Chinese influence in various global sectors, including sports. Zhao's success could symbolize a shift in cultural dynamics within snooker, encouraging greater participation from emerging markets.
AI Influence in Reporting
There is no strong indication that AI was used in crafting this article, but if it were, models might have been employed to curate Zhao's achievements and craft an engaging narrative. The tone and structure suggest human editorial oversight, focusing on emotional appeal and storytelling rather than purely factual reporting.
In summary, while the article provides a compelling story about Zhao Xintong's journey, it selectively emphasizes certain aspects of his narrative, potentially downplaying the severity of the match-fixing scandal. The article's overall reliability is high, but its manipulative potential is significant due to its focus on redemption at the expense of a complete picture.