Chinese snooker star Zhao Xintong has once again attracted attention because of his controversial suspension from the sport.
The former UK Championship winner was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in 2023 during a major investigation involving match-fixing and betting. Zhao was found guilty of being a party to another player fixing two matches and of placing bets on snooker matches. His original sanction was reduced to 20 months after he admitted the offences and pleaded guilty.
Importantly, there was no finding that Zhao had tested positive for a banned substance, and reports of a new four-year doping suspension should not be presented as fact without official confirmation.
After serving his suspension, Zhao made one of the most remarkable comebacks in snooker history. In 2025, he defeated Mark Williams 18–12 at the Crucible to become the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship.
