RIYADH: China’s Zhao Xintong, the world No. 10, claimed the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship 2025 title on Friday night after defeating Australia’s Neil Robertson, the world No. 3, 5-2 in the final.
The match delivered high drama and drew a substantial crowd, including a strong contingent of Chinese supporters, at the Global Theater in Boulevard City.
Zhao received the golden trophy from Ahmed Arafa, executive vice president for marketing and communications at the General Entertainment Authority, amid applause from fans attending what was considered one of the strongest editions of the championship to date.
Zhao’s triumph came on the back of a dominant late surge, with commanding frame scores, including breaks of 131, 134 and 74, securing a major milestone in his career and lifting him to the top of the podium in a season that featured some of the world’s leading players.
Zhao reached the final after a hard-fought 4–3 victory over Britain’s Judd Trump in an extended semifinal, while Robertson advanced by defeating Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen 4-1 before falling short against Zhao in the final.
The Chinese champion told Arab News: “Seriously, I’m nervous all the time, but I just try to focus on the table and play my best. I don’t overthink; I just aim to pot the ball and perform well. I have great confidence in myself.
“This tournament has been incredible. From the trophy and the lighting to the atmosphere created by the fans, everything has impressed me. There is always room for improvement, but as it stands, it’s truly outstanding.” he added.
Chinese fans who attended the final and cheered for their compatriot expressed joy at Zhao’s victory.
Loki, an executive at a tech company, said: “As a snooker enthusiast, seeing Chinese players lift the trophy in Saudi Arabia, where I have worked for a long time, signifies that the country is becoming increasingly international, open, and influential.”
He expressed hope that Saudi Arabia will host more international matches, further enhancing its influence in the world of snooker.
“I felt immense pride and excitement. My friends and I never anticipated that this young player would take the championship when we bought our tickets,” said Joey Zhao, a media company director.
She described the champion’s triumph as “a moment of surprise, admiration, and sheer pride.”
“Because I share the same family name as the Chinese champion, this moment felt even more special and thrilling for me personally,” Joey added.
“Zhao Xintong’s performance instilled in all of us a sense of shared identity. The atmosphere in the arena added to the event’s magnificence, with the Saudi audience being exceptionally welcoming.
“I was wearing a small Chinese flag sticker on my face, and many Saudi spectators came up to me, loudly congratulating me on the Chinese player’s victory.”
Zhang Wei, a real estate manager, expressed his pride in the first Chinese player to win the Riyadh Season snooker title.
“Snooker is gaining increasing popularity among Chinese fans. Many of my friends in China stayed up late to watch the match, and we were all thrilled with the outcome,” Zhang said.
He said that a growing number of young people in China are inspired by players like Ding Junhui and Zhao, and expressed confidence that the number will continue to rise.
“I believe this event, and the entire Riyadh Season, will inspire even more young people,” he said
The official world snooker player rankings can be viewed by clicking the link below: https://www.wst.tv/rankings/
