Former UK champion Zhao Xintong books World Championship spot at Crucible after qualifying victory; wins for Ryan Day, David Gilbert, Chris Wakelin
Published 15/04/2025 at 22:50 GMT+1
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Former world No. 6 Zhao Xintong has booked his place at the Crucible after breezing through qualifying for the World Snooker Championship. He is one of eight players who have secured their spot in Sheffield today. The Chinese potter is making his way back from a 20-month suspension. David Gilbert, Ryan Day and Chris Wakelin are among the other qualifiers who will join him in the first-round draw.
Watch: Snooker ref uses fan’s phone to replace balls after bizarre foul
Video credit: TNT Sports
Former world No. 6 Zhao Xintong booked his place at the Crucible after breezing through qualifying for the World Snooker Championship.
The 28-year-old had already knocked out Cheung Ka Wai, Long Zehuang and Lyu Haotian en route to the fourth round.
And he duly secured a spot in the last-32 by defeating Elliott Slessor 10-8, scoring three centuries, including a superb 134, for good measure.
That means he has racked up a dozen breaks of 100+ over the course of the qualifying tournament.
As a result, the 2021 UK Championship winner will be back in Sheffield for the first time in three years.
"I am very happy because I know the Crucible is very difficult to be back," he told WST. "I’m so proud of myself.
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"Slessor is a really good opponent and played really well tonight. [He] gave huge pressure to me. I’m lucky. I’m so happy.’"
The primary reason behind Zhao's three-year World Championship hiatus is a 20-month ban handed out for his part in a match-fixing scandal.
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Xintong makes fourth century of match with clinical 141 break
Video credit: TNT Sports
He is now attempting to rebuild his career, having dropped out of the professional game and returning as an amateur in 2024.
The Chinese player did come through qualifying to reach the UK Championship this season, but lost to Shaun Murphy in the first round.
Now he will be heading to Sheffield, hoping to improve on his best finish, a second-round exit in 2022.
"I just try my best to play snooker and try every time [to] have a good break," he added. "Just enjoy the table time."
Former semi-finalist Wilson among casualties
Elsewhere, Gary Wilson, who reached the last four at the Crucible six years ago, was knocked out in the final round of qualifying.
The 'Tyneside Terror', who has dropped to 17th in the world, was beaten 10-9 in a nail-biter with Daniel Wells, who will now make his World Championship debut.
Chris Wakelin, Zak Surety and Ryan Day are also through, after beating Martin O'Donnell, Ricky Walden and Sunny Akani respectively.
Another big name to make it through is David Gilbert, who reached the last four in 2024 before losing to eventual champion Kyren Wilson.
He came from 9-7 down to squeeze to a 10-9 success against Aaron Hill, while Zhou Yuelong and Ben Woollaston came past Yuan Sijun and Ross Muir with 10-5 and 10-4 successes respectively.
All those who have qualified now go into the main draw for the last 32 at the Crucible, which takes place on Thursday, April 17.
The tournament gets underway two days later, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, when Kyren Wilson will attempt to defend the crown he won against Jak Jones 12 months ago.
Watch and stream top snooker action, including the World Championship, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
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