Once seen as a casual pastime in saloons and rec-rooms, snooker has long been a serious sport in the U.K. and across the world. Now, China is stepping into the spotlight with the rise of its players.
Zhao Xintong’s historic victory as Asia’s first World Snooker Champion has highlighted the rapid growth of the sport in China. “There’s a new superstar of the game,” said Mark Williams, a three-time World Champion from Wales, who was defeated by Zhao in the final of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, England. “This could be huge for the sport.”
The Evolution of Snooker in China
Snooker was brought to China in the 19th century by foreign traders, but it struggled during the early years of Communist rule when individualistic and foreign activities were discouraged. The Hong Kong Open in 1989 marked the first ranking event held in Asia, followed by the Asian Open in 1990.
After Mao Zedong’s death in 1976, the door opened for the sport to grow. Snooker moved from humble street-side tables to modern halls and practice venues, gaining popularity along the way.
Ding Junhui Paved the Way for Zhao
Former world No. 1 Ding Junhui was a trailblazer for Zhao and others. However, the sport faces challenges, particularly with the younger generation more interested in e-sports and smartphone games.
Zhao himself could prove to be a diplomatic asset for China-British relations, which have been strained over trade tensions and Hong Kong’s political situation. The 28-year-old, who now lives and trains in Sheffield, earned strong support from British fans during his World Championship win.
Zhao’s Journey to the Top
Zhao, who grew up in Shenzhen, took up snooker at the age of eight. Despite China’s strong emphasis on academics, his parents supported his passion, even building him a practice room at home. However, Zhao’s career faced setbacks when he was banned for 20 months as one of 10 Chinese players implicated in a match-fixing scandal. While Zhao admitted to knowing about the match-fixing, he denied direct involvement. He returned to the sport in September 2024 as an amateur and fought his way back up the ranks.
Boosting Snooker’s Popularity in China
Now ranked 11th in the world, Zhao’s victory is being celebrated throughout China. His disbelief at winning the World Championship was witnessed by millions of viewers, many of whom praised him as the “pride of China” and shared their admiration online.
“It’s worth celebrating in China,” said Tong Jianfeng, a long-time fan of the game. “Zhao played so smoothly. His precision is impressive.”
Huang Siyuan, another fan, added, “It didn’t come easy. I’m so proud of Chinese billiards.”
Wang Heng, the manager of Beijing Xinrui Billiard Academy, believes Zhao’s success will inspire confidence in Chinese players. “This will show them that winning the world championship is no longer an impossible feat,” he said. “They will become more confident in their abilities.”
Inspiring Future Generations
Zhao’s victory could be just the beginning. At this year’s World Championships, 10 Chinese players qualified for the main draw, with six making it into the final 16, marking a record achievement.
“Now, this will give kids in China confidence, and in the future, many more Chinese players can do this,” Zhao said, surrounded by confetti and draped in a Chinese flag after winning the title.
Snooker’s Bright Future in China
According to Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, international recognition will be vital to the sport’s continued growth. “Snooker in China is treated like any other major Olympic sport. It gets extensive broadcast coverage and strong support from both the government and educational systems,” he explained. “The sport is incredibly well-respected, and having a world champion like Zhao is just incredible.”