BEIJING, May 7 — Zhao Xintong’s historic victory at the World Snooker Championship sparked celebrations across China yesterday, with trailblazing star Ding Junhui leading the tributes to the country's newest sporting icon.
BEIJING, May 7 — Zhao Xintong’s historic victory at the World Snooker Championship sparked celebrations across China yesterday, with trailblazing star Ding Junhui leading the tributes to the country's newest sporting icon.
The 28-year-old stunned the world by defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre on Monday, becoming the first Asian ever to claim the prestigious title.
On Chinese social media platform Weibo, the hashtag “Zhao Xintong wins world championship” garnered over 120 million views by Tuesday morning, ranking among the platform’s top trending topics.
Ding Junhui, China’s first major snooker sensation and the 2016 World Championship runner-up, called Zhao’s triumph “the greatest reward for Chinese snooker fans who have supported the sport and waited for this moment.”
“All the darkness we walked through was so people could one day see the light,” Ding wrote on Weibo. “What Zhao Xintong achieved today is the collective dream of generations of Chinese snooker players. I’m so proud of you and the rise of China’s strength in the sport!”
Remarkably, Zhao lifted the trophy as an amateur, having lost his tour card in early 2023 due to a match-fixing scandal that earned him a 20-month suspension. He admitted to betting on matches and conspiring with another player to fix two games—a controversy that led to bans for 10 Chinese players, including two lifetime suspensions.
Though some online comments still referenced the scandal, most Chinese fans focused on the redemption arc and celebrated Zhao’s resilience and triumph.
“He deserves forgiveness,” one user wrote, while another said, “This isn’t a miracle—it’s the result of years of quiet hard work.”
Zhao, draped in the Chinese flag during the trophy presentation, became a symbol of perseverance for many. Social media users hailed the win as a defining moment for Chinese snooker.
“How many years have we waited for this? He’s made history!” one user exclaimed.
Like many top Chinese players, Zhao has trained in Sheffield, the de facto global hub of snooker. Rising stars like Si Jiahui, a 2023 semi-finalist, praised Zhao on Weibo, calling him “Brother Tong” and saying, “My idol has changed—I'm learning from you!”
Lei Peifan, who shocked defending champion Kyren Wilson in the tournament’s opening round, called Zhao’s win “a new milestone for Chinese snooker” and added, “Go Team China!”
Snooker’s popularity in China has soared over the last two decades, thanks in large part to Ding Junhui’s legacy. This year, a record 10 Chinese players reached the final 32 at the Crucible, underlining the country’s growing dominance.
China has also seen strong performances in women’s snooker, with players like Bai Yulu and Hong Kong’s Ng On-yee clinching world titles.
Snooker has even found a place in Chinese popular culture. The 2024 hit drama Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, about a fallen snooker prodigy’s comeback and romance, captured the imagination of audiences nationwide—further proof of the sport’s enduring appeal in China. — AFP
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