Zhao Xintong qualifies for World Snooker Championship after ban

Chinese snooker player Zhao Xintong has qualified for the World Snooker Championship as an amateur, marking a significant comeback after serving a 20-month ban for involvement in a match-fixing scandal that implicated ten players. Zhao, who won the UK Championship in 2021 and was once ranked No. 9 in the world, accepted charges related to betting on matches he knew were fixed. Since returning to competitive play in September 2022, he has secured his place at the Crucible by winning four qualifying matches, including a decisive victory over Elliot Slessor. This achievement makes him only the third amateur to compete at the prestigious tournament, following James Cahill and Michael White in previous years. Zhao expressed pride in his return and emphasized his desire to regain his status as a top player in the sport. The World Snooker Championship is set to begin this weekend in Sheffield, where Zhao will learn his opponent in the draw.