From Scandal to Savior: Zhao Xintong’s redemption

Just two short years ago, Zhao Xintong represented a significant crisis for Chinese snooker. He was the fallen star, the suspended idol at the heart of a scandal that threatened to unravel the sport’s future in the nation. Today, the narrative has completely flipped. Zhao stands tall as the first Asian world champion, a catalyst for a commercial explosion that is reshaping the snooker landscape in China.

Breaking British Hegemony and Awakening a Sleeping Giant

Zhao’s victory transcended mere personal achievement. It shattered the long-standing British dominance in the world of snooker and breathed new life into a previously dormant market. His success has challenged the authority of the national federation and demonstrated that, in the evolving global order of the game, both champions and lucrative business opportunities are emerging from the East.

Two Decades of Investment paying Off

China’s investment in snooker spans nearly two decades, but Zhao’s world title has triggered an unprecedented turning point.The groundwork laid by pioneers like Ding Junhui, a living legend who inspired a generation, is now bearing fruit. Ding’s influence cannot be overstated; as Efe Siying, an employee at the Royal No. 8 Billiards Club, notes, Ding Junhui is the one who inspired me to play and aroused my interest in this game.

A Thriving Snooker Ecosystem

According to data from Qichacha, the snooker sector boasts over 400,000 registered companies, with a remarkable 28.57% annual increase in new registrations. A extensive network of academies, both public and private, stretches from Dongguan, home to a World Academy of Snooker headquarters, to Sheffield, where Ding Junhui established a high-performance center. This robust infrastructure has been crucial in the sport’s resurgence.

Resilience After the 2023 Scandal

The organizational strength of Chinese snooker proved vital in overcoming the 2023 scandal, when ten Chinese players faced sanctions for match-fixing and illegal betting. Instead of collapsing, the sport rebounded. In the 2025 World Cup,ten Chinese players competed,with six reaching the round of sixteen and two—Si Jiahui and Zhao Xintong—advancing to the quarter-finals. This success is no accident; it’s the result of young talent,a packed calendar of 12 local professional tournaments,and strong state support.

Government Support and Growing Popularity

Since 2023, snooker has been integrated into the National Fitness System, with cities like Beijing and chengdu offering subsidies of up to $69,000 to private snooker rooms. This government backing underscores the sport’s growing importance. The impact is also evident in consumer behavior. Local media reports that some establishments now combine billiards with dining and live broadcasts, and securing a “premium” table in major cities can require booking three days in advance.

Efe Wang Zhaolin, an employee at the Yunchuan billiard room, confirms this trend: I’ve been working here since 2021, and I have seen exponential growth, but it is true, that lately we have had many more customers.

Zhao Xintong’s Journey: From Prodigy to Champion

Born in Shenzhen in 1997,Zhao Xintong discovered snooker at the age of seven and dedicated himself to the sport full-time by age twelve. At 13,he achieved a break of 143 points,marking him as a prodigy. In 2021, he won the UK Championship, followed by the German Masters in 2022, propelling him into the world’s top 10. However, his career faced a significant setback in January 2023.

overcoming Adversity: The Sanction and the Comeback

In 2023, the WPBSA (World Professional Billiards and snooker Association) sanctioned Zhao with a 20-month ban for betting on matches, even though he did not manipulate any outcomes, and for failing to report the infraction. While the punishment was less severe than those given to other players, it still had a profound impact. Zhao lost sponsors, his reputation suffered, and the chinese Federation (CBSA) suspended him until July 2025.

in his public apology, Zhao acknowledged, I have paid a high price for a stupid decision. Despite the setback, Zhao persevered, using the time to reflect and prepare for his eventual return. His subsequent victory at the World Championship is a testament to his resilience and determination.

The Future of Snooker in China

Zhao Xintong’s journey from scandal to world champion embodies the resilience and potential of Chinese snooker. With continued investment, a growing talent pool, and strong government support, the sport is poised for even greater success in the years to come. The commercial boom sparked by Zhao’s victory is transforming the industry, creating new opportunities for players, businesses, and fans alike. As China continues to embrace snooker, the world can expect to see more champions and innovations emerging from the East.

A Champion Emerges: Zhao’s Unlikely Path to Victory

Zhao’s journey to the world Cup title is a compelling narrative of perseverance. After dedicating himself to solitary training, he re-emerged on the amateur circuit in September 2024. His dominance was swift, securing four titles on the prestigious Q Tour, which earned him a coveted spot in the 2025 World Cup. this remarkable comeback set the stage for an even more amazing performance on the global stage.

World Cup Upset: dethroning Legends and Seizing the Crown

At the World Cup, Zhao exceeded all expectations. He navigated the initial qualifying rounds with skill and determination, before facing his idol, Ronnie O’Sullivan. In a stunning upset, zhao defeated O’Sullivan with a score of 17-7. He then faced Mark Williams in the final, securing the championship with a final score of 18-12, marked by two century breaks and eleven scores exceeding 50 points.this victory marked a historic moment, crowning Zhao as the first Asian world champion in the sport.

the billiard does not speak,but every cup is an answer.
Zhao, after winning the World Cup

Controversy and Division: The Shadow Over the Victory

Zhao’s victory has ignited a complex mix of celebration and controversy.Despite being technically suspended by the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) until July, he was permitted to compete under the auspices of the World professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). This decision has created deep divisions within the snooker community.

Prominent British players, including Shaun Murphy and Mark Selby, have voiced strong criticism, denouncing the situation as a regulatory incoherence and a collapse of credibility. The CBSA has remained ambiguous, with its official website still displaying the 2023 suspension notice, leaving the future of Zhao’s standing in the sport uncertain.

Fractured Opinions: Public Sentiment in China

The response within China has been equally divided. While state-controlled media outlets like CCTV have celebrated Zhao’s triumph, a significant portion of the online community has expressed concerns. On platforms like Weibo, users have questioned whether rewarding a player still under sanction undermines the integrity of the sport.Some have drawn parallels to other athletes who have fallen from grace, while others view Zhao’s story as an inspiring example of redemption.

Economic Impact: A Billion-Dollar Billiard Boom

Irrespective of the ethical debates, the commercial impact of Zhao’s victory is undeniable.Local media reports a surge in demand for specialized pool cues, with limited editions selling out rapidly. A viral online challenge inspired by Zhao has attracted over a million participants, demonstrating the sport’s growing popularity.

According to Qichacha, over 137,100 new companies in the billiard sector were registered in 2024.Zhongyanpuhua forecasts that the Chinese billiard market will exceed one billion yuan (approximately $139 million USD) this year. This growth is evident in the transformation of businesses, as exemplified by the Royal manager No. 8 Billiards Club, which converted from a skewer restaurant to capitalize on the burgeoning interest in billiards.

In Beijing, pool table rentals range from 20 to 30 yuan (approximately $2.80 to $4.10 USD) per hour. Many establishments operate in unconventional locations, such as basements or repurposed office spaces, reflecting the sport’s grassroots appeal. In cities like Chengdu and Xi’an, some billiard rooms are reportedly generating revenues exceeding one million yuan ($139,000 USD) per month.

The Future of snooker: China’s Rising Influence

Zhao’s story transcends a simple championship victory. He has become the face of a sport increasingly intertwined with China’s influence. As rules, business interests, and narratives of redemption converge, the future of snooker is being shaped by this dynamic interplay.