Zhao Xintong set to chase UK Championship snooker glory after return from ban as Jimmy White discovers first opponent

ByDesmond Kane

Published 13/11/2024 at 16:48 GMT

Zhao Xintong will have the chance to create a piece of unique snooker history when he lines up as an amateur qualifier at the UK Championship next week. Zhao claimed victory at the prestigious event in 2021 and was ranked world No. 6 before he was banned after his involvement in a match-fixing probe, but has been invited to chase the title as an amateur after winning twice on the sport's Q Tour.

Former UK Champion Zhao Xintong has been drawn against world No. 94 Sunny Akani in the first round of qualifiers for this year's tournament in Leicester (November 16-21).

Zhao is bidding to rebuild his career following his 20-month ban from the sport due to his involvement in a match-fixing probe.

Since returning in early September, he has won two Q Tour amateur events, including back-to-back maximums in Stockholm and Manchester, earning him an invite to compete at the UK Championship, a tournament he won three years ago with a 10-5 victory over Luca Brecel in York.

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His match against the talented Thai player Akani could be a fascinating duel on Saturday night at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, live on Eurosport and discovery+.

Zhao's path to a potential return to the York Barbican in the chase for the £250,000 first prize would see him meet compatriot Jiang Jun in the second qualifying round on Monday evening.

Next up would be a meeting with Noppon Saengkham in the third qualifying round on Tuesday afternoon before a potential encounter with Ricky Walden to secure a spot in the draw for the last 32 against one of the world's top 16 in the final stage (November 23-December 1).

The former world No. 6 lifted the 2021 UK Championship and 2022 German Masters before his shock suspension from the sport.

27-year-old Zhao is bidding to reclaim his place on the main tour after being found guilty in January 2023 of being party to a fellow player fixing two matches, and betting on matches himself.

"I think he is amazing. I think he is our [Roger] Federer," said defending eight-UK champion Ronnie O'Sullivan about Zhao before his ban.

"I've never seen a more talented snooker player."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Meanwhile, 1992 UK Champion Jimmy 'Whirlwind' White will meet Paul Deaville in his opening qualifying match on Sunday morning with Ross Muir awaiting the winner in the second round on Monday afternoon.

Robert Milkins and Xu Si are seeded in White's part of the draw if he can repeat his run in 2022 when he reached the last 32 before losing to Ryan Day.

All the qualifying matches are the best of 11 frames.

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