Zhao Xintong Returns from Ban, Calls Past Action a ‘Little Mistake’ and Declares He Can ‘Beat Anybody’

Chinese snooker player Zhao Xintong, in his initial interview following his return from a ban related to the sport’s major match-fixing scandal, stated that he committed “a little mistake.” Zhao was among ten players suspended in connection with the corruption scandal; however, after serving a suspension lasting one year and eight months, he has now returned to competition and secured qualification for the UK Championship. Although he did not directly fix a match, his initial suspension of two and a half years was shortened following his prompt admissions and guilty plea. He admitted to charges that included being involved in another player’s fixing of two matches and placing bets on matches himself. Speaking to BBC’s Jamie Broughton, Zhao stated: “Two years ago I made a little mistake, now I’ve come back.” He added, “I know how important snooker is to me and now I just want to come back to the snooker table.” The 27-year-old Zhao mentioned that contact with former Masters champion Yan Bingtao, who was also among the players banned in the scandal, is now “very rare.” He also advised other players to learn from his errors. He conveyed: “Let them know this is a big lesson, don’t make the mistake.” He further remarked, “Play snooker, it’s a very good thing.” In his inaugural tournament following his return from the ban, the former world number six Zhao secured a victory at a WPBSA Q Tour event held in Stockholm. After successfully navigating the qualifying rounds, he is scheduled to face former world champion Shaun Murphy in the first round of the UK Championship. Zhao, who claimed the tournament title in 2021 but will participate as an amateur this year, commented: “These two years have been very long for me, I’ve practised every day.” He continued, “I knew I would come back so I need to keep confident in myself.” He concluded by stating: “I believe that if I play well then I can beat anybody. I’m just going to try my best.”