China’s snooker champion Zhao Xintong ‘shocked’ by new fame, wants to win on home soil
The sport’s newest superstar hopes to play in Hong Kong next year and win a tournament on mainland
Zhao Xintong has been unable to go anywhere in Shenzhen without being recognised since returning there with the most prized trophy in snooker, but that could be true of much of the planet before long.
China’s first world champion slipped away from his hometown to visit neighbouring Hong Kong this week, and between describing dizzying new-found fame, he revealed ambitions of completing the triple crown of his sport’s biggest titles.
He told the Post he also wanted to experience success in both mainland China and Hong Kong – which would hardly help him escape the cycle of “interviews, autographs, photos” he has encountered since landing from the UK last week.
“Obviously, I have many more fans now – people recognise me on the street even if I am wearing a mask,” he said in a billiard hall in Kwun Tong.
He had been “shocked” to be mobbed by airline crew, customs officers and fans when he stepped off the plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport.
“It’s been one interview after another, though I also got to spend time with my parents, relatives and friends,” he said.