By 2016, he officially launched his professional snooker career.

Zhao's journey from first picking up a cue to world champion in his first Crucible final hasn't been without controversy.

The 2021 UK Championship winner competed as an amateur while completing his comeback from a 20-month suspension for his involvement in a betting scandal that saw ten Chinese players suspended in 2023, with two receiving lifetime bans.

Zhao's relatively short suspension reflected his cooperation with investigators and the fact that, while he placed bets, he wasn't involved in match-fixing.

During his suspension, Zhao underwent counseling provided by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association to address psychological challenges and character weaknesses, supported throughout by loyal fans.

"That period taught me humility — and the real meaning of this sport," he recalled.

Returning to competition in September 2024, Zhao participated in the World Championship as an amateur, before his official return to the professional tour this season.

The watershed win in the world championship propels Zhao to World No 11, among a record nine Chinese players in snooker's top 32.