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Zhao Xintong gets hero’s welcome in China despite being banned in home country
Newly crowned world snooker champion Zhao Xintong was swamped by fans as he returned home to China on Thursday. Three days after his dominant final over Mark Williams in Sheffield, the 28-year-old landed at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to be greeted by huge cheers and celebratory signs.
Hundreds jostled to get a glimpse or take a picture of the star. The euphoric scenes followed Zhao becoming the first amateur to be named world champion and the only Asian player ever to triumph at the Crucible. However, despite his new hero status, playing in front of home supporters remains forbidden by the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA).
