NEW STAR IS MADE IN CHINA

Redemption for Zhao as he clinches historic win

- By Shane MacDermott

ZHAO XINTONG had tears in his eyes as he made history by becoming China's first world champion last night.

The Cyclone, 28, blew away Mark Williams, below, the oldest ever finalist, 18-12 to become the first amateur to lift the title.

Zhao, the first qualifier to conquer the Crucible since Shaun Murphy 20 years ago, moved to 11th in the world rankings after banking the £500,000 top prize.

There was no passing of the torch from the famous Class of '92, Zhao snatched it from them. He hammered Ronnie O'Sullivan with a session to spare in the semi-final and never looked back after racing 7-1 ahead of Williams.