Zhao's World Title Sparks Snooker Boom in China

Zhao Xintong's World Snooker Championship win ignites China's snooker boom, with 300,000+ clubs and 10 players in the world's top 32, signaling a bright future for the sport.

Zhao Xintong's World Snooker Championship win is expected to boost snooker's popularity in China. The 28-year-old's historic victory has sparked predictions that China could dominate the sport. Zhao, the first Asian to win the title, defeated Mark Williams at the Crucible Theatre.

Zhao Xintong celebrated his win by draping the Chinese flag over his shoulders, earning him national hero status back home. His victory went viral on social media in China. Despite a 20-month suspension in 2023 for a betting scandal, Zhao has been largely forgiven.

Creating history for his country. 🇨🇳

Zhao Xintong is the first snooker player from China to be crowned world champion.

An emotional moment for an incredibly talented player. 💫 pic.twitter.com/NPxpimnWRH

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 5, 2025

Zhang Dongtao, head coach at the World Snooker Academy in Beijing, said, “My phone hasn't stopped ringing with calls from media and parents,” highlighting the surge in interest in snooker following Zhao's win.

Snooker's image in China has transformed significantly. Once associated with smoky halls and viewed as a waste of time, the sport has boomed since Ding Junhui's breakthrough 20 years ago. Ding's China Open win over Stephen Hendry inspired many, including Zhao Xintong, to pursue snooker professionally.

China has seen a significant rise in snooker's popularity, with ten players in the world's top 32 and over 300,000 snooker or billiards clubs nationwide. The country's billiards market, including snooker, was valued at 37 billion yuan (£3.86 billion) in 2023, with predictions it could double in the next few years.

World Snooker Academy's Focus

The World Snooker Academy in Beijing features a replica of the Masters trophy to inspire young players. According to head coach Zhang Dongtao, “Our entire focus is on youth training to help them get rid of bad habits in life and in their snooker technique, and to absorb positive influences during their developmental years.”

RIDICULOUS TALENT!

Zhao Xintong at the #HaloWorldChampionship 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/LhMoGCO8jE

— WST (@WeAreWST) May 7, 2025

The World Snooker Academy emphasizes competition, hosting six internal tournaments each semester. According to Zhang Dongtao, “The Chinese market is huge. Investors are abundant, they can sponsor some tournaments, and the prize money for competitions is very high.” This growing investment has contributed to a dramatic shift in attitudes toward snooker in China over the past two decades.

Chinese snooker players often head to Britain for qualifying events and training. Many young players, some as young as 17, move to Sheffield to pursue their dreams. Zhao Xintong trains at the Victoria Snooker Academy, near the Crucible. According to Lucky Vatnani, manager of the Ding Junhui Snooker Academy, “The Chinese players' work ethic is just incredible.”

“They play seven days a week, 10am to 6pm. I don't see a lot of English players doing that.”

“Their only purpose is to play snooker,” he added of the Chinese players.