Shane MacDermott

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Shane MacDermott

Zhao Xintong tipped to become richest player ever as O'Sullivan snubbed by snooker bossZhao Xintong will be desperate to kick on after his triumph at the World Snooker Championship. Zhao Xintong made history with his World Snooker Championship triumph (Image: Getty)The Cyclone, 28, blew away the field as he became the first qualifier since Shaun Murphy 20 years ago to win the game’s greatest prize with an 18-12 victory over all-time great Mark Williams on Monday night.

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Shane MacDermott

Judd Trump attacks young Brits and explains why they'll never challenge Chinese playersJudd Trump fears the future is bleak for British snooker players Share Article Bookmark Judd Trump (Image: Getty)Judd Trump reckons the UK will be powerless to stop China’s snooker takeover — because British kids are lazy. The World No.1, 35, watched on in awe as Zhao Xintong blasted his way to a maiden world title over the Bank Holiday weekend, much like the Ace in the Pack did in 2019.

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Shane MacDermott

Zhao Xintong gets teary after storied journey to World Snooker Championship gloryZhao Xintong was crowned the 2025 World Snooker Championship winner by beating Mark Williams at The Crucible. Share Article Bookmark Zhao Xintong is the first ever Asian male world champion (Image: Getty)Zhao Xintong had tears in his eyes as he made history by becoming China’s first world champion on Monday night.

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Shane MacDermott

Ronnie O’Sullivan 'deserves a knighthood' as Rocket's bold UK plan backedBarry Hearn has said that "magical" seven-time snooker world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is worthy of a knighthood. Share Article Bookmark Ronnie O’Sullivan was awarded an OBE in 2016 (Image: Getty)Barry Hearn has called for Ronnie O’Sullivan to be knighted for services to snooker. The Rocket, 49, is one of Britain’s most successful sportspeople and was awarded an OBE in 2016.

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Shane MacDermott

Zhao Xintong is seven frames away from history after dominating the first day of the World Championship final. The Chinese Cyclone, 28, has the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he bids to become the country’s first world champion. But Zhao handled the pressure of a maiden Sheffield showpiece as he opened up a healthy 11-6 lead over all-time great Mark Williams. Former UK champion Zhao would become the first amateur to conquer the Crucible.