Chinese snooker star Zhao Xintong has discussed his time spent away from the sport
Zhao Xintong has spoken candidly about his 20-month suspension from snooker, describing it as one of the toughest periods of his life—but also one that ultimately made him stronger.
During interviews after his comeback and rise to world champion, Zhao explained exactly how he spent that time away from the sport and what was going through his mind.
He admitted the period was mentally difficult, saying:
> “It was a very hard time but I kept practising four times a week so that when I came back I would be a better player.”
Zhao made it clear he didn’t simply step away from snooker during the ban. Instead, he continued to train regularly, even without competing professionally. He emphasized that this consistency helped transform his mindset:
> “I think, when I did, mentally I was much stronger than before. I’m definitely stronger than two years ago.”
The Chinese star also acknowledged that the suspension—handed to him for involvement in a match-fixing scandal (though not fixing matches himself)—was a major life lesson. He has repeatedly shown remorse and acceptance of responsibility. According to reports, he admitted wrongdoing and accepted the punishment, which was reduced from 30 months to 20 months.
Reflecting on being out of the professional game, Zhao said the break forced him to reset his priorities. He returned with a clear, simple goal:
> “I had nearly two years not playing in tour competitions and that’s why I said my first target was to get through qualifying to the Crucible.”
That modest target highlights how much his mindset changed. Before the ban, Zhao was already a rising star, but after it, he approached the sport with more humility and focus.
He also spoke about the emotional side of the experience—how it affected his confidence and how he worried about how fans would react when he returned. But those fears eased once he got back on the table and received support from spectators.
Most importantly, Zhao believes the setback ultimately benefited his career:
> “It has been helpful for my career.”
That statement might sound surprising, but it reflects how he reframed the experience—not as something that ruined his trajectory, but as something that reshaped him mentally.
His story came full circle when he returned from the ban in late 2024, worked his way through the amateur Q Tour, and then stunned the snooker world by winning the World Championship in 2025.
In summary, Zhao Xintong didn’t spend his 20-month ban idly. He trained consistently, reflected on his mistakes, rebuilt his mental strength, and came back with a more grounded outlook. In his own words, it was “a very hard time”—but one that made him “much stronger” and ultimately helped him reach the peak of the sport.
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