Zhao Xintong's manager issues threat to new world snooker champion over £500k prize money

Zhao Xintong became the first Asian world champion in the history of snooker on Monday night, and he is set to become an overnight superstar in his homeland of China

Zhao Xintong's manager has fired a warning to the new world snooker champion over his winnings. The controversial 28 year-old bagged a cool £500,000 after overcoming Mark Williams in the final at the Crucible, and with his new status as an overnight sensation in China, there's expected to be more cash on its way.

As the newly minted first Asian world champion in the history of the sport, Zhao is set to score big with endorsement deals back home. His triumphant performance attracted a whopping 150 million viewers from China as he defeated three-time Crucible champ Williams.

This massive victory, which includes an 18-12 win over Williams after a dominant 17-7 semi-final against Ronnie O’Sullivan, has put Zhao in the limelight.

His manager Victoria Shi, who runs the Sheffield academy where Zhao has honed his skills for nearly 10 years, celebrated with him and his gleaming new trophy on Monday evening. But amid the euphoria, Shi is determined to keep Zhao’s feet firmly on the ground.

"Let him enjoy [the prize money]," Shi stated. "But if he enjoys it too much, I will tell him off. He is the first Asian world champion and that is huge. But it is my job to make sure he stays grounded."

Zhao charmed many a snooker enthusiast with his journey to victory. However, his ascent to world title glory is not devoid of controversy, following a 20-month suspension handed down in January 2023 linked to a match-fixing inquiry.

The former world No. 6 admitted to placing bets on matches and being aware that another player was throwing games for money, even though he did not throw them himself.

Zhao had to battle back through the Q Tour and managed to join this year's World Snooker Championship as an amateur. Shi is convinced that the gruelling experience has toughened him up.

"I told him, you didn't kill anyone, you didn't lose your arms and legs," she stated. "You made the biggest mistake of your life, now learn from it and you will become a stronger person. I think he is stronger because of it."

With his latest victories rocketing him into the top 16 of the world rankings after his considerable tournament winnings, Zhao looks set to continue making an impact at major snooker events.