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Cliff Buddle

An ability to excel at snooker was once seen as the sign of a misspent youth. Not any more. Newly crowned king of cue sports, Zhao Xintong, collected a £500,000 (HK$5.19 million) prize after becoming China’s first world champion this month. He is now a national hero.
The 28-year-old was mobbed by fans on his return to Shenzhen and spoke of his new, superstar status when visiting Hong Kong last week.
His story, which includes involvement in a match-fixing scandal, is one of rise and fall and rise again. It should be both a lesson and an inspiration for young players.
But the significance of his victory in England, watched by 150 million fans in China, goes beyond Zhao’s redemption and triumph. It has been described as the most important in the sport’s history.
The win is a breakthrough for China and highlights the potential for Chinese players to dominate snooker in the future. This, it is hoped, will broaden the global appeal of the sport. And Hong Kong might be a beneficiary.
Zhao, known as “The Cyclone” because of his fast, attacking style, beat veteran Welsh star Mark Williams 18-12 in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield where he lives. He was given a standing ovation.
The popularity of snooker soared in the UK in the 1970s and 1980s, with the arrival of colour television. As a child, I was gripped. A big fan of Alex “Hurricane” Higgins, I appreciate Zhao’s “cyclonic” approach.
Today, snooker hopes to follow the global expansion enjoyed by other sports. That is why China is so important.
The nation’s interest in the sport boomed when trailblazer Ding Junhui won the UK Championship in 2005. The mainland now has more than 300,000 snooker halls. Ten of the 32 players in the main draw for the world championships were from China.
Zhao won the UK Championship in 2021 and seemed set for imminent stardom. Instead, he became caught up in the sport’s biggest match-fixing scandal and was suspended for 20 months.
This was a national disgrace. Nine other Chinese players were found guilty of involvement. Zhao was the least culpable and admitted his guilt, describing his conduct as foolish. He did not throw matches but was a party to another player’s match fixing and placed bets himself.
It is a cautionary tale. Many top Chinese players move to the UK for better training. Zhao has recently encouraged up-and-coming Hong Kong players to take this step.
But the culture shock is not always easy to adapt to. In this case, younger players allowed themselves to be influenced by older ones who should have known better.
When Zhao returned after suspension in September he had to play on the amateur circuit and then qualify for the world championships. He had to do it the hard way. But he only has himself to blame.
Zhao is fortunate the consensus within the sport is that he is now both redeemed and rehabilitated. He deserved a second chance – and has taken it.
If, as hoped, his win marks the beginning of a new brighter era for the sport, with China playing a leading role, Hong Kong might cash in. The city staged its first ranking tournament since 1989 in March and plans to host others.
There is talk of the world championships moving away from the Crucible Theatre, which has only 980 seats.
Hong Kong would be a strong contender, holding the record for attendance at a snooker tournament, set at almost 9,000 in 2022. The city has some young talent with potential and has changed the law to allow children as young as eight to enter snooker halls. That happens to be the age Zhao started playing.
The new world champion might not have had a youth misspent in disreputable billiards rooms. His parents ensured he kept studying while playing.
But he has certainly excelled and might have given the sport – in China and elsewhere – the 147 break it needs.


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Zhao Xintong may have given snooker the 147 break it needs

Zhao Xintong, China’s first world snooker champion. Photo: Jelly Tse

China’s snooker champion Zhao Xintong ‘shocked’ by new fame, wants to win on home soil

Zhao Xintong said life since returning to China had been a whirlwind of interviews and photos. Photo: Jelly Tse

Zhao Xintong was “shocked” to be mobbed when he arrived at Shenzhen airport last week. Photo: AFP

Speaking in Kwun Tong, Zhao Xintong said he hoped to complete the Triple Crown. Photo: Jelly Tse

World champ Zhao Xintong says Hong Kong snooker players should move to UK to succeed

Zhao Xintong (centre) has urged Hong Kong’s snooker players to move to the United Kingdom for better training facilities. Photo: Xinhua

Zhao Xintong (right) meets final opponent Mark Williams. Photo: Xinhua

China’s snooker king Zhao Xintong on fame, Wang Chuqin and blowing prize money on watches

China’s Zhao Xintong has confetti picked from his hair by his girlfriend after victory over Wales’ Mark Williams in the World Championship Snooker final on Monday. Photo: AFP

Zhao Xintong flanked by his manager, Victoria Shi (left), and his girlfriend after his win. Photo: AFP

Why new world snooker champion Zhao Xintong cannot play in China

Zhao Xintong celebrates with the trophy after winning the World Snooker Championship on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

Zhao Xintong in action during the World Snooker Championship final on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

China’s snooker ‘Cyclone’ Zhao Xintong earns applause, forgiveness and national hero tag

Zhao Xintong celebrates victory in the World Snooker Championship final in Sheffield on Monday. Photo: AP

Zhao Xintong at the table during his accomplished display in the world final. Photo: Xinhua

Luke Littler wins the World Darts Championship in January, aged 17. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

Opinion

The story of China’s new world champion is both lesson and inspiration. His success can broaden the sport’s appeal. And Hong Kong may benefit


The story of China’s new world champion is both lesson and inspiration. His success can broaden the sport’s appeal. And Hong Kong may benefit.


World Snooker Championship

Hong Kong sports

China

Britain

Hong Kong

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

My Take

Zhao Xintong may have given snooker the 147 break it needs

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The story of China’s new world champion is both lesson and inspiration. His success can broaden the sport’s appeal. And Hong Kong may benefit

The story of China’s new world champion is both lesson and inspiration. His success can broaden the sport’s appeal. And Hong Kong may benefit