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SCMP Editorial

The emergence of China’s first world snooker champion, Zhao Xintong, last year was a breakthrough that signalled the beginning of a golden era for the country’s players. There was an expectation there would be more Chinese winners to come.
We didn’t have to wait long. Zhao’s compatriot Wu Yize matched the feat on Monday, winning 18-17 in a gripping final at the Crucible Theatre in England. It is the first time in 24 years the final has gone to the last frame. Wu overcame his nerves to prevail.
At 22, Wu is the second-youngest winner of the world championship. His exciting, attacking style of play and humility won him many new fans and his triumph was greeted enthusiastically by the crowd, who chanted his name.
The young player’s story is an inspirational one. He was quick to pay tribute to his tearful mother and father after winning the £500,000 (US$679,710) prize, saying, “My parents are the true champions,” and identifying them as the source of his strength.
Hailing from Lanzhou, Gansu province, they made great sacrifices to give their son every opportunity to realise his potential. He moved to the United Kingdom with his father when he was only 16, following in the footsteps of other Chinese prodigies. But money was tight and the pair spent two years living in a small windowless room, sharing a bed.
Their dedication has paid dividends and will now encourage other aspiring champions. The rise of Chinese players has been dramatic. A record 11 featured in the main draw for the championships.
Snooker has cast off its old, negative image and many children in China, including in Hong Kong, are taking up the sport. There are more than 300,000 snooker halls on the mainland.
Chinese players are set to end Britain’s long-standing dominance of the sport. And this is what snooker needs. The success of Chinese players will help broaden the sport’s global appeal, essential if it is to grow and flourish.
Zhao’s win last year was a landmark. Wu’s follow-up victory underlines the strength of China’s talent. As trailblazing player Ding Junhui said, other Chinese players are likely to win future world championships. It may well be that the best is yet to come.


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World Snooker

China’s snooker world champions cue up a bright future for the sport

China’s Wu Yize celebrates after winning the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, UK, on May 4. Photo: Xinhua

Snooker’s push to get into Olympics gets a jolt from China’s back-to-back world champions

China’s Wu Yize beat Shaun Murphy in a dramatic final on Monday to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Zhao Xintong, who became Asia’s first world champion 12 months ago. Photo: Xinhua

Snooker could try again to get into the Olympics ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Games. Photo: AFP

Shaun Murphy says the rising stars of British snooker must work even harder. Photo: Xinhua

Zhao says he ‘will never surpass’ Ding after knocking him out of World Snooker Championship

Zhao Xintong (left) overcame compatriot Ding Junhui in a tense affair at the World Snooker Championship. Photo: Xinhua

Zhao Xintong (left) beat his idol Ding Junhui 13-9 in the second round. Photo: Xinhua

World Snooker Championship: Zhao Xintong, Ding Junhui clash set to break TV viewing records

From left, Xiao Guodong, Wu Yize, Ding Junhui and Zhao Xintong are the only four Chinese players who got past the first round of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield as of Friday morning. Photo: Xinhua

Zhao Xintong beat England’s Liam Highfield on day one of the tournament on Saturday. Photo: AP

Ding Junhui beat England’s David Gilbert 10-5 in the first round at the Crucible. Photo: AP

Opinion

Wu Yize’s victory, following that of Zhao Xintong, underlines the rise of Chinese players and will help broaden snooker’s global appeal


Wu Yize’s victory, following that of Zhao Xintong, underlines the rise of Chinese players and will help broaden snooker’s global appeal.


World Snooker Championship

China

Britain

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


Column

Editorial

China’s snooker world champions cue up a bright future for the sport

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Wu Yize’s victory, following that of Zhao Xintong, underlines the rise of Chinese players and will help broaden snooker’s global appeal

Wu Yize’s victory, following that of Zhao Xintong, underlines the rise of Chinese players and will help broaden snooker’s global appeal