Snooker player Zhao Xintong is preparing to make a comeback to the sport following a 20-month ban due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. The 27-year-old, who had shown great potential by winning the 2021 UK Championship and reaching world number nine, was among ten players suspended in 2023 for his association with the scandal. Although he did not directly fix any matches, he admitted to betting on a game that had been manipulated. Another Chinese player, Yan Bingtao, faced a harsher penalty of seven-and-a-half years in connection to the same incident.
With his suspension served, Xintong may compete in the World Championship qualifiers, as suggested by snooker legend Stephen Hendry. Hendry mentioned that Xintong is among the top contenders for the tournament and expressed curiosity about his performance if he advances. Reflecting on his past actions, Xintong expressed his eagerness to rectify his mistakes and return to competitive snooker, emphasizing the sport’s significance to him.
Previously praised by renowned players like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Xintong’s talent has been acknowledged in the snooker community. O’Sullivan compared Xintong’s potential to that of Stephen Hendry, highlighting the player’s exceptional skills and the room for improvement to become a dominant force in the sport.
Overall, Xintong’s journey back to the snooker table showcases his determination to redeem himself and fulfill his potential in the sport, while the anticipation surrounding his return adds excitement to the upcoming competitions.