World Snooker Championship 2025: Chris Wakelin Backs Controversial Zhao Xintong to Go All the Way at the Crucible

Zhao Xintong’s professional snooker comeback continues to gather pace after the controversial Chinese star booked his spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 World Snooker Championship with a commanding 13-5 victory over Chris Wakelin.

From Ban to Brilliance 

The 2018 UK Championship winner has stunned the Crucible crowd on his return to the big stage, less than a year after serving a 20-month suspension for betting offences. While Zhao was not found guilty of match-fixing, he was one of ten Chinese players caught up in snooker’s largest corruption scandal in 2023.

Despite his pedigree, Zhao was considered an ‘amateur’ entry at this year’s World Championship. But having dominated the World Snooker Tour’s Q Tour – where he earned a two-year pro card – the WPBSA handed him a qualifying spot. He made full use of it, winning four tense matches at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport to earn his Crucible return.

Now, Zhao is a first-time World Championship semi-finalist, with £100,000 in guaranteed prize money propelling him straight back into the world’s top 64. Originally due to begin next season with zero ranking points, his Crucible earnings will now count toward his world ranking, further accelerating his reintegration into the pro ranks.

Making History in China

Zhao becomes just the third Chinese player in history to reach the semi-finals of the sport’s blue-riband event, following in the footsteps of Ding Junhui and Si Jiahui. And with the way he is playing, few would bet against him becoming the first Chinese player to lift the iconic trophy.

“No Reason He Can’t Win It All”

His quarter-final opponent Wakelin was quick to praise Zhao’s brilliance and support his return to the sport.

“He was terrible yesterday, but I was just extra terrible,” Wakelin joked. 

“This is a big pressure match for both of us, getting through to that one table setup, that is the dream. So, it's almost like winning the tournament getting through to the semifinals.”

“We all know how talented Zhao is. He's a fabulous kid as well, he is great, he’s got a great smile and he's very tenacious out there.”

“His talent is just off the scale, some of the balls that he knocks in and the opportunities that he's created. He does things that a lot of players on tour aren't capable of.”

“There's no reason at all that he can't go on to lift the trophy this week. I think it would be amazing for snooker if he did.”

“We all know the troubles that he's faced over the last couple of years, hopefully now that's behind him and he can do himself proud in the semifinals.”

No Excuses, No Sympathy 

Wakelin acknowledged that returning to the highest level after nearly two years away from professional play is no easy feat – and gave a tongue-in-cheek answer when asked how difficult of an accomplishment that must have been.

“I dunno 'cause I've not been suspended. I don't do silly things. I don't make silly mistakes. We're all aware of the dangers when we get on tour. You get involved in that sort of thing, you're gonna get punished for it, you learn a hard lesson,” he said.

“He is back on tour now, but he has missed out on two years in his mid-twenties, which should be the golden stage in his career.”

“I've had no doubt that he’ll go on to have several successes down the line now that he is back. But it was really stupid, the whole situation for all those guys that got involved. But in terms of where Zhao’s going, I think he's got his better days in front of him now.”

A Second Chance

As for why Zhao has received such a warm reception from fellow players and fans, Wakelin believes it speaks to how the WPBSA handled the scandal and the way Zhao has conducted himself since his return.

“He served his time, you know, the WPBSA dealt with it externally, the whole case was dealt with in a professional way. They did exactly what they should have done,” he said.

“He served that sentence, he's more than welcome to come back and try his best again because he's a great asset to our sport. He just needs to stay on the right side of things.”

With a semi-final place now secured and momentum fully behind him, Xintong’s fairytale run at the Crucible shows no signs of slowing down. 

If Wakelin’s words are anything to go by, this might just be the start of a stunning new chapter in the Chinese star’s career. 

He will now face either seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan or fellow countryman Si Jiahui for a place in the final.