Zhao Xintong is back at the Crucible after winning four matches in World Championship qualifying as he continues his efforts to re-establish himself at the top of the game.
The 28-year-old reached a high of number six in the world and is a former UK Championship and German Masters champion, but was hit with a ban from snooker in 2023 for his involvement in a serious match-fixing scandal.
He had not fixed any matches himself, but was charged with being concerned in fixing matches and betting on games, so his ban was relatively short compared to others involved in the scandal.
Zhao returned to amateur competition in September 2024 and dominated the competition, quickly earning a return to the professional circuit.
He impressed in UK Championship qualifying, reaching the Barbican before losing narrowly to Shaun Murphy in round one in York.
His redemption will continue at snooker’s most famous venue after he beatCheung Ka Wai, Long Zehuang, Lyu Haotian and Elliot Slessor in qualifying in Sheffield.
Zhao made 12 centuries over those four games, including four in a superb final match against Slessor who managed four tons of his own.
The former UK champ will now be the man to avoid in the World Championship draw on Thursday morning as he heads to the iconic theatre in form and full of confidence.
‘I am very happy because I know the Crucible is very difficult to be back. I do it again, I’m so proud of myself,’ Zhao told WST.
‘Slessor is a really good opponent and played really well tonight. Gave huge pressure to me. I’m lucky. I’m so happy.’
On his form and genuine threat to become world champion this year, he added: ‘I just try my best to play snooker and try every time have a good break. Just enjoy the table time.
‘Hopefully I can really come back to [be a] top player. But I need more wins, so just try me best.’
The draw for the first round at the Crucible will be made on Thursday morning and every top 16 player will be wanting to avoid Zhao, who is playing snooker comfortably of the standard of the top 16.
However, his Crucible experience is not vast, having played there just twice before and won just one game, against Jamie Clarke in 2022.
The main event begins on Saturday morning at the Crucible, with defending champion Kyren Wilson set for the first session, but his opponent yet to be decided.