Zhao Xintong Win: Snooker & Olympic Games
- Zhao Xintong's historic world title win is generating excitement about the future of snooker in China.
- His victory comes after a return from a 20-month ban in September, a result of his involvement in a match-fixing scandal that also implicated 10 other Chinese players.
- Ferguson believes Zhao, who earned £500,000 for his world title, could become the highest-earning player in snooker history.
Zhao Xintong‘s stunning world title win ignites massive optimism for snooker’s future in China! This victory marks the arrival of not only an Asian champion, but also a superstar returning from a 20-month match-fixing ban. His £500,000 win is already generating buzz that he’ll be the highest-earning champion ever. News Directory 3 notes the vast potential for expanded brand partnerships and a surge in national support for the sport, which is already followed by many as a national sport. His triumph is set to elevate snooker to new heights in a market poised for exponential growth and renewed fan enthusiasm. Discover what’s next for this surging sport.
Zhao Xintong’s Victory Sparks Optimism for Snooker in China
Updated May 26, 2025
Zhao Xintong’s historic world title win is generating excitement about the future of snooker in China. Following his victory, Welshman Williams lauded Zhao as a ”superstar.” Zhao’s triumph marks him as the first Asian player and the first amateur to conquer the Crucible.
His victory comes after a return from a 20-month ban in September, a result of his involvement in a match-fixing scandal that also implicated 10 other Chinese players. Despite this, Ferguson remains optimistic about the sport’s potential in china.
Ferguson believes Zhao, who earned £500,000 for his world title, could become the highest-earning player in snooker history. The snooker world title win is a major boost for the sport.
“that’s quite a bold statement when you think about the titles players like Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan won,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson emphasized the vast market and brand partnerships associated with snooker, highlighting its “endless potential.” He added that snooker in China is considered a national sport, and Zhao’s return as a world champion will elevate the sport to new heights.
“But the size of the market is huge and when you see the association of the brands who want to partner with snooker, it has endless potential,” Ferguson said.
“This is one of the biggest occasions snooker has seen. Snooker in China is treated like any national sport. To see a world champion returning to China a national hero is really going to send the sport to another level,” Ferguson said.
What’s next
With Zhao’s victory, snooker in China is poised for significant growth, potentially attracting more players, sponsors, and fans, solidifying its status as a national sport.