Zhao Xintong: Suspension, Prize Money, and Net Worth

Few comebacks in snooker spark as much curiosity as Zhao Xintong’s. The Chinese player went from a match-fixing suspension to lifting the World Championship trophy in 2025, pulling off one of the sport’s most dramatic reversals. This article traces his journey—from the ban that sidelined him to the £500,000 prize that made him China’s first world champion—and addresses the questions that continue to swirl around his finances, residence, and personal life.

Born: 3 April 1997 · Nationality: Chinese · World Championship win: 2025 · Suspension: 2023 (match-fixing) · Highest ranking: World #6 (2022) · Career prize money: £1.1 million+

Below is a summary of key biographical data.

Why was Zhao Xintong suspended from snooker?

Match-fixing allegations

• In January 2023, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) announced an investigation into Zhao Xintong and nine other Chinese players for alleged match-fixing (WPBSA official statement).
• The allegations involved manipulating frames at tournaments between 2020 and 2022. Zhao admitted to violating betting rules and was handed a 30-month suspension, later reduced to 20 months after early admissions (Wikipedia).

The implication: The WPBSA’s swift action sent a clear message about integrity in the sport, but the reduced ban allowed Zhao to rebuild his career much faster than initial sanctions suggested.

Length of suspension

• Zhao’s 20-month ban ran from January 2023 to September 2024. During that period he could not enter professional tournaments, but remained free to practice and play exhibition matches (Mirror).
• After the ban expired, Zhao returned to the tour as an amateur, meaning he had to qualify for events through lower-tier competitions.

This timeline shows how quickly Zhao regained his standing despite the setback.

Does Zhao Xintong get prize money?

Prize money from World Championship win

Zhao Xintong earned the full winner’s prize of £500,000 for winning the 2025 World Snooker Championship (GB News). However, because the tournament is held in the United Kingdom and Zhao is a UK resident, tax authorities expected a cut. One report estimated he would lose 44.8% of his winnings through UK tax and National Insurance, leaving around £279,000 net (SPORTbible). Another calculation put the tax at approximately £221,000 and National Insurance around £19,611 (GB News).

His manager was quoted saying, “Let him enjoy it” in reference to the prize money (Mirror). Zhao himself was said to be thinking about buying watches after the £500,000 win (South China Morning Post).

The takeaway: While the headline £500,000 is impressive, the net amount is significantly lower due to tax.

Who is the richest snooker player?

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s net worth

• Ronnie O’Sullivan is widely considered the richest snooker player, with a net worth estimated at £14 million (Wikiedia). His earnings come from prize money, endorsement deals, and media work.

Top earners in snooker

• Stephen Hendry accumulated over £8 million in prize money during his career (Wikiedia).
• Steve Davis earned more than £5 million in prize money (Wikiedia).
• Zhao Xintong’s £1.1 million career prize money places him well below these all-time greats, but his recent win has boosted his standing.

The pattern: Snooker’s rich list is dominated by legends of the 1980s-2000s, with O’Sullivan comfortably ahead. Zhao, despite his world title, is still early in his earning trajectory.

Where is Zhao Xintong from?

Hometown in China

Zhao was born in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province in central China (Wikipedia). He began playing snooker at age 10 in a local club and quickly showed talent.

Early career in China

• He turned professional in 2014 after winning Asian junior titles (WPBSA).
• His early success in China included winning the Asian Under-21 Championship in 2013.

Zhao’s roots remain an important part of his identity.

Does Zhao Xintong live in the UK?

Residence for snooker training

Zhao moved to the UK in 2016 to pursue professional snooker full-time (Malay Mail). He currently resides in Sheffield, the home of the Crucible Theatre, where the World Championship is staged. That residence subjects him to UK tax on his competition winnings (SPORTbible).

UK vs China lifestyle

• Living in Sheffield gives Zhao direct access to top-class practice facilities and regular competition with other Tour players.
• Reports suggest he balances his time between the UK and visits to family in Xi’an.

Why this matters: Zhao’s UK residency is both a professional necessity and a financial factor – it triggers tax liabilities that reduce his headline prize money but also grants proximity to snooker’s main events.

Timeline: Zhao Xintong’s career arc

This compressed timeline is unprecedented in modern snooker.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Born 3 April 1997 in Xi’an, China – multiple sources (WPBSA, Wikipedia).
• Suspended in 2023 for match-fixing, returned September 2024 – WPBSA official.
• Won 2025 World Championship – GB News, Malay Mail, Mirror.
• Career prize money exceeds £1.1 million – WPBSA.

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth – estimates vary between £1.5 million (Manchester Evening News) and higher unverified figures.
• Current marital status – no confirmed reports; media speculation about a wife is unsubstantiated (Wikiedia).

Details of his match-fixing involvement beyond the WPBSA summary – Wikipedia notes low confidence in specific matches involved.

• Exact length of UK residence – reported as since 2016 but no official record (SPORTbible).

These uncertainties mean that reports about Zhao should be taken with caution.

Quotes from the scene

“It’s a remarkable story. Zhao has gone from a player who was at rock bottom to the pinnacle of the sport in just a few months.”

– WPBSA official statement on Zhao’s return (WPBSA)

“Let him enjoy it. He has worked unbelievably hard to get back to this level.”

– Zhao’s manager, quoted by the Mirror (Mirror)

“The tax bill on £500,000 is a huge hit for any player, but Zhao understands that’s the price of success in the UK.”

– Financial commentator, SPORTbible analysis (SPORTbible)

“I just want to play snooker and make my family proud. The rest will take care of itself.”

– Zhao Xintong, interview with South China Morning Post (SCMP)

These quotes capture the range of reactions to Zhao’s comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ addresses the most common questions about Zhao.

For the snooker world, the implication is clear: Zhao’s 2025 title has cemented him as a major force, but the tax burden and lingering restrictions mean his financial and competitive future depends on careful management of his UK residency and Chinese eligibility.

Want to explore other sports figures’ comebacks? Read about Allen Iverson’s conviction and net worth or Odell Beckham Jr.’s comeback and controversies.