BEIJING, May 9 — Zhao Xintong’s groundbreaking World Snooker Championship victory is expected to propel the sport to new heights in China, fueling hopes the country could soon dominate the global snooker scene.
BEIJING, May 9 — Zhao Xintong’s groundbreaking World Snooker Championship victory is expected to propel the sport to new heights in China, fueling hopes the country could soon dominate the global snooker scene.
The 28-year-old left-hander defeated Mark Williams at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Monday, becoming the first Asian player to win snooker’s most prestigious title.
Zhao marked the historic moment by draping himself in the Chinese flag, and his triumph has since gone viral across Chinese social media, with fans and media hailing him as a national hero.
“Since his win, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing with calls from reporters and parents,” said Zhang Dongtao, head coach of the World Snooker Academy in Beijing, which has produced many of China’s top players, including Zhao.
Despite a 20-month suspension in 2023 due to minor involvement in a betting scandal—which also saw nine other Chinese players banned—Zhao’s victory has largely shifted public focus back to his talent and resilience. — AFP
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