Zhao Xintong reveals fresh targets for new season after becoming China's first world champion with world No. 1 Judd Trump in his sights
Published 15/05/2025 at 16:36 GMT+1
Judd Trump ended the 2024/25 season as snooker's undisputed world No. 1, 679,900 points clear of Kyren Wilson in second spot, but new world champion Zhao Xintong is keen to close the gap on Trump at the summit of the sport in the year ahead. After becoming China's first world champion at the Crucible earlier this month, Zhao has outlined plans to make a run for the top spot in the sport.
'Seen something very special' - Zhao clinches title with thrilling win over Williams
Video credit: TNT Sports
Zhao Xintong revealed he is targeting Judd Trump's world No. 1 spot after realising his childhood dream of becoming China and Asia's historic first world champion.
Zhao's dominant 18-12 win over three-time winner Mark Williams in the 49th Crucible final earlier this month saw him earn a ÂŁ500,000 cheque and secure his place as world No. 11 ahead of his return to the professional ranks.
The 28-year-old Zhao was ranked world No. 6 before he was banned for 20 months for his involvement in the sport's biggest match-fixing scandal in 2023, but booked his return to the main circuit as an amateur via a first-placed finish on the Q Tour Europe ranking list.
Zhao's compatriot Ding Junhui is the only Asian player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking a decade ago.
The 2021 UK champion is keen to earn more trophies, which could include adding the Masters at Alexandra Palace in London and the lucrative Saudi Arabia Masters in Jeddah, to his achievements as part of a modern grand slam.
Speaking to local media in his home city of Shenzen, Zhao said: "The plan for the future is to be the No. 1 in the world, or the snooker grand slam."
Zhao was given the red-carpet treatment upon his return home, with millions back in China celebrating his landmark victory.
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Watch: Top 10 shots of 2025 World Snooker Championship
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"I was so shocked," he said after being greeted by hundreds of fans at Shenzhen Airport.
"It was something I never imagined would happen to me.
"I guess from now on I’ll have to hold myself to an even higher standard.
"Thanks again everyone for your support.
"I’ll start again and take it slow, and continue to achieve better results in snooker."
Zhao is banned from competitive play in China until July 1, which means he can make his competitive return to action at the Shanghai Masters (July 28 to August 3) with Trump the defending champion.
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Zhao's road to Crucible glory
- Last 144: defeated Cheung Ka Wai (HK) 10-3
- Last 112: defeated Long Zehuang (Chn) 10-8
- Last 80: defeated Lyu Haotian (Chn) 10-4
- Last 48: defeated Elliot Slessor (Eng) 10-8
- Last 32: defeated Jak Jones (Wal) 10-4
- Last 16: defeated Lei Peifan (Chn) 13-10
- Quarter-finals: defeated Chris Wakelin (Eng) 13-5
- Semi-finals: defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 17-7
- Final: defeated Mark Williams (Wal) 18-12
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