China’s Zhao Xintong is set to make his snooker comeback at the end of September after serving a 20-month ban for his part in the sport’s biggest match-fixing scandal. The 27-year-old’s suspension, effective from January 2023, ran until September 1 this year, and he has entered the Q Tour event in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, which starts on September 20. Q Tour is the premier qualifying circuit for the elite World Snooker Tour.
Zhao, whose penalty was the lowest of the 10 players involved in the scandal, has been drawn against Vilius Schulte-Ebbert. He remains suspended in China until 2025, but has been cleared to play elsewhere, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has confirmed.
The Match-Fixing Scandal
Zhao was one of 10 Chinese players handed heavy bans last year following an investigation into corruption in the sport. The allegations included manipulating games, approaching players to cheat, betting on snooker and fixing matches. The scandal shook the snooker world, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for stricter measures to prevent future incidents.
The Aftermath of the Scandal
The scandal had a profound impact on the careers of the players involved, with some facing lifetime bans. Liang Wenbo and Li Hang, the two ring leaders of the match-fixing operation, were expelled from the sport for life. Eight other players received bans ranging from 20 months to five years and four months.
Impact on Zhao Xintong's Career
Zhao Xintong, the 2021 UK Championship winner, was one of the players caught up in the scandal. He did not directly throw a match himself but admitted to being a party to another player fixing two matches and betting on matches himself. He was originally handed a ban of two and a half years, but this was reduced to one year and eight months due to his early admissions and guilty plea. He also had to pay £7,500 in costs.
Zhao's Return to Snooker
Zhao's suspension ran from when he was first suspended in January 2023, and he was free to play on 2 September this year. He is now set to make his return to snooker at the WPBSA Q Tour event in Bulgaria.
Challenges Ahead
Zhao's return is not without its challenges. He will need to regain his form and confidence after a long absence from the game. He will also have to rebuild his reputation after the scandal. However, Zhao is a talented player with a bright future ahead of him. If he can overcome these challenges, he can still achieve great things in the sport.
A Look at the Future
The most likely route back onto the professional tour for Zhao is through the Q Tour, which sees the best-ranked amateur at the end of every year promoted, with three additional spots available via a play-off. The Q Tour will be a crucial test for Zhao. It will be a chance for him to show that he is still a force to be reckoned with. If he can perform well in Bulgaria, he will be in a good position to earn a place on the World Snooker Tour for the 2025/26 season.
Road to Redemption
Zhao Xintong’s return marks a significant moment for snooker. It is a reminder that even after a major setback, players can bounce back and rebuild their careers. Zhao’s journey to redemption will be closely watched by fans around the world. His journey to redemption is a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story that will inspire many and show that even after making mistakes, it is possible to come back stronger and achieve success.
