Interview: Zhao Xintong looking to fresh start after historic win at snooker worlds

LONDON, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Returning from his suspension to win a historic title at the World Snooker Championship, Zhao Xintong has every reason to feel upbeat about his future path in career.

The 28-year-old Chinese rode a nine-match winning streak since the qualifiers to become the first Asian to clinch the snooker worlds title on Monday.

Zhao's victory comes after he served a 20-month ban for breaching betting regulations. "I did something wrong and I learned from it, but I have never lost faith in myself," Zhao said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua, less than 24 hours after his win at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

"I kept practicing as usual and I followed the pro tour attentively. I have never thought about quitting snooker but coming back stronger," said Zhao, who beat three-time world champion Mark Williams 18-12 in the final.

Zhao served out his ban last September and earned his place at this year's World Championship by winning four qualifiers as an amateur.

"I'm confident that I'm still competitive in the pro tour, but I was also worried that I could not keep up with the intensity in big events. After all, I haven't played in top-class tournaments for quite a long time," he admitted.

"So I didn't have any expectation for this World Championship," continued Zhao. "I was happy that I could reach the final stages and show up at the Crucible."

The left-hander was unstoppable, outplaying last year's runner-up Jak Jones 10-4 in the first round and sweeping seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 17-7 in the semifinals.

Zhao added that he was grateful that O'Sullivan has always been ready to help him.

"I played him for the first time in 2016 and I lost to him 4-3," recalled Zhao. "But I was thrilled that my play was appreciated by him as he is my idol."

Since then, the 49-year-old O'Sullivan would contact Zhao time to time. "To be honest, I was reluctant to bother him, but he always asked me if I needed any help or had any question about the games."

Zhao said he was so relaxed to face his close friend that he felt like playing in an exhibition match, but he could not help being nervous when he was one match away from making history.

"I imagined all kinds of scenarios ahead of the final. I might take an 8-0 lead or trail 8-0. I kept telling myself that no matter what happened, I would just play the next frame as the opening one."

Zhao dominated the final 17-8 after the third session, before the 50-year-old Williams launched a late fightback by winning four frames in a row.

"I just told myself that I only needed one more chance, then I would spare no effort to seal the win with one break," said Zhao.

Zhao's triumph made a huge splash in China, as millions of fans hailed another breakthrough for Chinese snooker, after Ding Junhui clinched the China Open title in 2005 to become the first Chinese player to win a ranking event.

"I did realize that my victory is important for Chinese snooker. I believe I can win more tournaments in the future to attract more people to be involved in the sport."

"I will refresh myself and look forward to a brand-new start of my career," he concluded. ■