Zhao Xintong's World Championship Victory: A Game-Changer for Snooker

China's Zhao Xintong has made history by becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final. This monumental achievement not only cements Zhao's place in snooker history but also significantly boosts the sport's bid to be included in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Global Impact and Olympic Aspirations

Jason Ferguson, chair of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), believes Zhao's success could be a turning point for snooker. "Realistically, Australia is a target," Ferguson stated. "We're talking to all the multi-sport bodies. There's a lot of politics involved, but the size of snooker and how important China is to the IOC [International Olympic Committee], someone has to look at this and say 'this is now snooker's time'."

Snooker's Growing Popularity in China

Zhao's victory is expected to elevate snooker's status in China, where the sport is already treated as a national pastime. Ferguson is optimistic about the sport's growth, stating, "Snooker in China is treated like any national sport. To see a world champion returning to China a national hero is really going to send the sport to another level."

From Scandal to Stardom

Zhao's journey to the top has been anything but smooth. He returned from a 20-month ban in September, imposed for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Despite this setback, Zhao has emerged stronger, with his world title earning him £500,000 in prize money. Ferguson believes Zhao could become "the richest-earning player in the history of the sport," given the vast market potential in China.

The Future of Snooker

With Zhao's historic win, snooker is poised for unprecedented growth. The sport's global appeal, combined with its increasing popularity in China, makes it a strong contender for inclusion in future Olympic Games. As Ferguson aptly put it, "This is one of the biggest occasions snooker has seen."