Tue May 06 06:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Chinese Player Zhao Xintong Makes History, Winning Snooker World Championship
**Sheffield, UK** – Zhao Xintong has etched his name into snooker history, becoming the first Chinese – and Asian – player to win the World Snooker Championship. The victory, achieved against Mark Williams at the Crucible Theatre on May 5th, marks a pivotal moment for the sport in China and globally.
Zhao’s triumph mirrors the groundbreaking win by Ding Junhui in 2005, who as a wildcard entry, defeated Stephen Hendry to become the first Chinese player to win a ranking title. This victory, twenty years prior, propelled snooker’s growth in China, providing a lifeline to a sport struggling with dwindling sponsorship and broadcast interest following EU advertising bans on tobacco.
The influx of Chinese players and fans has since transformed snooker, boosting the number of ranking tournaments from six to nearly twenty. This growth is attributed to the dedication of pioneers like Guo Hua and Pang Weiguo, followed by Ding Junhui’s inspirational leadership, and a robust talent development system encompassing world-class academies.
The current success isn’t just Zhao’s alone; ten Chinese players participated in this year’s World Championship, a record high, with six reaching the last sixteen. Other Chinese players have also achieved significant wins, including Zhang Anda, Xiao Guodong, Lei Peifan, and Bai Yulu.
This surge in Chinese success has impacted snooker globally. The sport has expanded its presence in China, with tournaments held across the country, from Beijing and Shanghai to smaller cities like Yushan. The high standard of organisation in these tournaments has garnered international praise, attracting players and contributing to the sport’s global appeal. Even top players like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump have become Hong Kong residents through talent schemes.
The burgeoning snooker scene in China also boasts a new state-of-the-art facility in Yushan, featuring a snooker production park, a world-class museum and hall of fame, and a training academy. This serves as a testament to the sport’s growth and influence in China.
Zhao’s victory is more than just a personal achievement; it’s the culmination of two decades of hard work and dedication from players, fans, associations, and businesses. The passion for snooker in China remains undeniable, evident in the massive online viewership and enthusiastic crowds witnessed at events throughout the country. Zhao’s win represents not only a historic moment for Chinese snooker but a new chapter in the sport’s global evolution.
First Piper 