NANCHANG, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Concluding his 2026 Snooker World Open campaign with a 5-2 last-16 defeat to Gary Wilson in Yushan, Jiangxi, China, Asia's first World Snooker Champion Zhao Xintong affirmed that his passion for the sport remains unchanged.

"Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, snooker has always been with me. I've never thought about walking away from it," Zhao told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. "I'll be with snooker for my whole life. This love is the only reason I've come this far."

Zhao's performance at his home tournament had its share of highlights and tense moments.

He stormed into the main draw with a 5-0 qualifying win over wildcard Han Fuyuan on Monday before edging Long Zehuang 5-4 in a thrilling first-round match to reach the last 32. Then Zhao found his rhythm with a century break in the opening frame and went on to win 5-1 against Sam Craigie for his place in the last 16.

"I played pretty well across these matches, though it was far from perfect," said Zhao. "That's the nature of snooker. What matters most is adjusting yourself during the match and finding your own rhythm."

The 28-year-old has tried to stay level-headed since winning the iconic World Championship trophy in May 2025, but he also acknowledged the rising public expectations and the changes in his life.

"After winning the world title, I knew my life had changed. There's a long road ahead, and I have to shoulder more pressure," Zhao said. "I don't see winning the title as the only goal in every tournament. In snooker, keeping a steady mindset is everything. You just have to take it frame by frame, shot by shot."

To the young players, Zhao has a message.

"I hope my experiences on the tour can inspire young Chinese players to aim for bigger stages. I also hope that through our efforts, more people will come to know and love snooker, helping Chinese snooker grow stronger." ■