EXPLAINED: 3 | Vintage Vibes

A look at China’s rising snooker stars after Zhao Xintong conquers Crucible

There are five Chinese players in the world’s top 16.

The Independent UK · May 6, 2025

Mark Williams hits the bar after World Snooker Championship final defeat: 'See you next season'

Williams posts funny backstage exchange with champion Zhao Xintong after being bested 18-12 despite late rally in Crucible showpiece

Evening Standard · May 6, 2025

How the Chinese snooker revolution finally arrived

Zhao Xintong’s triumph at the 2025 World Championship completed a journey that began with Ding Junhui 20 years ago

The Independent UK · May 6, 2025

Zhao Xintong beats Mark Williams to become China’s first snooker world champion

Zhao Xintong beat Mark Williams 18-12 to become China’s first winner of the World Snooker Championship

The Guardian - UK · May 5, 2025

Zhao Xintong becomes the most complicated world champion in snooker history

Zhao Xintong 18-12 Mark Williams: Zhao demolished three-time winner Williams to become China’s first world champion but his complex past means that accomplishment comes with questions

The Independent UK · May 5, 2025

Zhao Xintong on verge of World Championship title after dominating Mark Williams

The Chinese player needs only one more frame in Monday evening’s final session.

The Independent UK · May 5, 2025

Zhao Xintong beats Mark Williams 18-12 to become China’s first world snooker champion – as it happened

Zhao Xintong survived a spirited fightback from Mark Williams to win his and Asia’s first world championship

The Guardian - UK · May 5, 2025

Mark Williams v Zhao Xintong LIVE: Brilliant Zhao makes history as first Chinese world snooker champion

Zhao Xintong 18-12 Mark Williams: Zhao demolished Williams, who was the oldest world finalist at the age of 50, to secure an unbelievable triumph at the Crucible

The Independent UK · May 5, 2025

What time is World Snooker Championship final tonight? TV channel and live stream for Zhao Xintong vs Mark Williams

Zhao appears almost certain to become the first-ever Chinese winner of snooker’s biggest prize

Evening Standard · May 5, 2025

World Snooker Championship final score: Mark Williams edges second session but Zhao Xintong boasts huge lead

Qualifier takes an 11-6 advantage into Monday’s finale, with seven more frames needed to become China’s first-ever Crucible champion

Evening Standard · May 4, 2025