Zhao Xintong 'broke my heart being caught up in all that scandal'

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Dave Gilbert says Zhao Xintong ‘broke his heart’ by being involved in snooker’s match-fixing scandal, as the former champion returns to the big stage at the UK Championship.

Zhao was banned from the sport for 20 months after accepting charges of being party to another player fixing two matches and betting on matches himself.

He was one of 10 players banned as part of the scandal, receiving the shortest of the bans as his offences were deemed the least serious, chiefly because he did not fix any matches himself.

The 27-year-old was eligible to play again in September, but as he is no longer on the professional circuit he took to the amateur game and has dominated the Q Tour since, winning two events and making two 147 breaks.

His performances earned himself a wildcard into UK Championship qualifying, which he romped through, with four victories taking him to the Barbican in York, where he will play Shaun Murphy on Saturday.

Gilbert also came through qualifying to make it to York and was asked about Zhao’s return to the game.

‘He was the one who broke my heart, being caught up in all that scandal,’ said the world number 22.

‘He is an incredible player. He's a lovely lad, I don't know the kid, but he was always smiling and happy. Beautiful player to watch, got all the shots, he was the star, he was the Chinese Ronnie!

‘He wasn't done for match-fixing was he? Betting on matches that he knew were bent. I don't think it's great, but we've all got mixed up and made mistakes.

‘But I definitely feel like if people threw matches and have prospered from them, I don't want to see them again, simple as that.’

Michael Holt also won through qualifying, earning himself a game against Gary Wilson in York, and he feels Zhao has served his punishment and deserves a second chance.

The 2021 UK Championship winner has been thoroughly impressive since his return and Holt feels having him back is a big plus for snooker.

‘It’s obviously great for the game,’ said the Hitman. ‘He’s been a naughty boy and he’s took his punishment.

‘I’m not the one to say there’s no way back for anyone. He’s a human being, he’s made mistakes and he’s paid that price. Ultimately there should be a second chance for everyone, I think.

‘If he’s learned his lesson he’s great for the game, he’s a fantastic player so good luck to him.’

Zhao’s opponent on Saturday, Murphy, is also on board with the talented cueist’s return, although this was said before the Magician was handed the nightmare first round draw in York!

'I think it has to be said that Zhao Xintong was at the very lower end of those bans, he was never accused of cheating, he was never accused of fixing any matches. He did know about it and that is, of course, against the rules,’ said Murphy.

'I'd say that's been a very difficult 18 months of so for him. He has served his time and he's back competing.

'The problem with Zhao Xintong is he's really bloody good! That's the problem with Xintong. It might be fair to say he's done nothing for 18 months but practice, he looks very, very sharp.

'He was caught, he took his punishment on the chin, admitted it straight away, paid all his fines and since then he's done everything right. There's an element of rehabilitation, so he's back.'

Zhao said of his return: 'Two years ago I made a little mistake and now I come back, so I know how important snooker is for me, I want to come back to the snooker table and get trophies.’

Murphy and Zhao play at the same time as Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Barry Hawkins, 1pm on Saturday 23 November at the Barbican.