Zhao Xintong’s victory at the World Snooker Championship has the potential to be a turning point in the sport’s history, particularly as it sets its sights on joining the Olympic Games in 2032. Zhao’s triumph, making him the first Chinese player to win the prestigious title, is seen as a significant milestone not only for him but also for snooker’s global expansion. His win comes after a remarkable comeback, having returned to the sport just nine months ago following a 20-month suspension due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Zhao, although not directly involved in fixing matches, accepted charges for being party to another player’s match-fixing activity, resulting in the suspension of 10 Chinese players in 2023.
Snooker has always been a major sport in China, with around 300,000 recognized snooker halls and a massive fanbase of over 150 million people. Zhao’s world championship victory is expected to further solidify the sport’s popularity in the region and beyond, making it an important moment in snooker’s global narrative. Jason Ferguson, chair of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), believes that Zhao’s success could significantly boost the sport’s prospects, not only in China but internationally. He argues that Zhao’s win is more than just a personal achievement; it represents a breakthrough for snooker as a whole.
Ferguson has expressed optimism that this victory could propel snooker towards becoming part of the Olympic program, specifically targeting the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Snooker’s massive following in China, combined with the country’s influence in the International Olympic Committee (IOC), makes this an opportune moment for the sport. Ferguson emphasized that the sport’s global appeal, combined with snooker’s growing prominence in China, means the sport could be on the cusp of a breakthrough moment. He pointed out that snooker’s recognition by Sport England is a step forward, but it needs to be treated as an Olympic sport in the UK to reach its full potential.
The prospect of snooker entering the Olympic Games faces a mix of challenges and opportunities. Ferguson acknowledged the political complexities of securing a spot in the Olympics but stressed the importance of snooker’s rapid growth, particularly in China. With China now having a world champion, snooker’s global appeal is poised to reach new heights, and the country’s influence could play a crucial role in making snooker an Olympic sport. For snooker to gain Olympic recognition, it needs to be treated with the same level of importance as other major sports, Ferguson believes.
Looking ahead, Ferguson is confident that Zhao Xintong’s career will only continue to rise. He predicted that Zhao could become the highest-earning player in snooker history, a bold statement given the iconic status of players like Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan. However, the size of the market, particularly in China, makes the potential for growth in the sport vast. With major brands increasingly looking to partner with snooker, the sport’s commercial prospects are immense.
Zhao’s victory has placed snooker in the global spotlight, particularly in China, where the sport is already treated with the same reverence as other national sports. His return as a world champion has elevated his status to that of a national hero, a sentiment that is likely to inspire future generations of Chinese players and further develop snooker’s standing in the international sports arena. This victory marks the beginning of a new era for snooker, one where its influence could be felt on the Olympic stage, and the sport’s commercial and cultural reach could expand to unprecedented levels.
