Zhao Xintong's four-word remark says a lot about him and should panic snooker rivals

Zhao Xintong made history on Monday evening as he clinched the title by defeating . The Chinese sensation triumphed over another 'Class of 92' legend in a gripping 18-12 showdown at the Crucible, spanning four sessions.

This victory adds to his and German Masters titles. Despite having played nine gruelling matches over 29 days, winning 111 frames in process, the 28-year-old showed no signs of fatigue. Speaking to Hazel Irvine post-victory in Sheffield, insisted: "No, I'm not tired." His comments sparked laughter from the Crucible crowd, before he explained his plans for celebrations. He added: "Maybe have a good drink tonight, and I need to say thank you to everybody for coming here.

"Nice crowd, and thank you, everybody." Zhao's journey to the World Snooker Championship finals was nothing short of remarkable.

After overcoming Cheung Ka Wai, Zehuang Long, Lyu Haotian, and Elliot Slessor in the qualifiers, he dispatched Welshman Jak Jones with a 10-4 win in the tournament's opening round. A hard-fought 13-10 victory over Lei Peifan ensued, followed by a commanding 13-5 win against Chris Wakelin in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-finals, Zhao dashed hopes of an eighth world title with a resounding 17-7 triumph. Zhao then soared to victory with a commanding performance against Williams in the final, taking home the coveted title.

Sharing his elation with the BBC, Zhao said: "This is like a dream. I can't believe it. There was big pressure and big nerves. I knew if I missed he could come back quickly. I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best."

Accompanying his tournament triumph and £500,000 prize, Zhao's success will earn him world No. 11 status when he rejoins the professional main tour next season. Yet, his win at the World Championship did not pass without scrutiny.

He was suspended for 20 months in January 2023 due to allegations tied to match-fixing, and despite him not rigging matches himself, he admitted to betting on contests. Following the lift of his ban in September 2024 and battling through the Q Tour as an amateur, Zhao made history with his World Championship win.

Not only is he the first technical amateur champion, but he has also become the first Asian victor of the tournament. Addressing this phenomenal return last week was Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson, who said: "It's important to talk about and he has served his time and he has paid his fine and actually he has followed a route of trying to work his way back in.

"I think people will always refer to it but when you're young you might get pulled into things. But there is a route back and there is a route to return.

"From our point of view, he has done the right thing from day one and is welcomed back into the sport and will be a professional player again at the end of this World Championship."