China's Snooker Champion Zhao is lauded by Ding Junhui as the country's dream comes true following his victory.
Step into the world of Chinese snooker, where two phenomenal players, Ding Junhui and Zhao Xintong, have left indelible marks. Each an integral part of the sport's ascension in their homeland, these masters have powered through challenges, inspiring a new generation of players.
Pioneering Prodigy: The Rise of Ding Junhui
- Breaking the Mold: Ding Junhui, a powerhouse who stormed into the professional ranks in the mid-2000s, was the trailblazer that catapulted snooker into the limelight in China. His wins, including multiple ranking titles and triple crown triumphs, brought a renaissance to the sport [1][3].
- Nearly There: Despite falling just shy of securing the World Championship in 2016, Ding became the first Chinese player to reach the final, and his tenacity etched him into the annals of the sport [1][3].
Groundbreaker: Zhao Xintong's Triumph
- Inspired Ambition: Inspired by the legacy of Ding Junhui, left-handed Zhao Xintong, who picked up his first cue at eight, rose through the ranks to garner worldwide attention. As a major contender, Zhao's journey was as captivating as it was improbable [3][5].
- Historic Victory: In 2025, Zhao etched his name into history by clinching the World Snooker Championship, defeating Mark Williams 18-12. This victory came after rising from the ashes of a 20-month ban stemming from a betting scandal, adding a thrilling narrative of redemption to his achievement [2][3].
The Minor Setbacks: Struggles and Triumphs
- Controversy and Comeback: Zhao's journey has not been without bumps. His 20-month suspension, though among the shortest of Chinese players implicated in a match-fixing scandal, serves as a complex footnote to his legacy [3]. Zhao did not throw matches, but involvement in betting stains his record. However, his resilience and successful comeback pulse through his story [1][3].
Transforming the Landscape
- National Pride and Market Expansion: Both Ding and Zhao have elevated the standing of snooker in China. Ding's early successes spurred a surge in passion and participation, while Zhao's world championship win is expected to catapult the sport to unprecedented levels within the 1.4 billion-strong market [1][2].
- Dreams Sparked: Their feats have fanned the flames of ambition for future generations, laying the foundation for China to establish itself as a prominent force on the global snooker stage [3][1].
- Humanity and Resilience: Their respective near misses at the World Championship and redemptive comeback narratives add a personal dimension to their stories, making their successes all the more inspiring for fans [1][3].
The bond between Ding and Zhao is that of trailblazer and torchbearer, as both weave a compelling tale of resilience, inspiration, and a lasting impact on Chinese snooker.
| Player | Major Achievements | World Championship Highlight | Impact on Snooker in China ||-------------|-------------------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|| Ding Junhui | Multiple ranking titles, Triple Crowns| First Chinese finalist (2016) | National icon, enkindling ambition || Zhao Xintong| 2021 UK Championship, 2025 World Champion| First Chinese world champion (2025) | Historic win, redemption story |
Together, their shared history exemplifies inspiration, courage, and the transformative effects on Chinese snooker [3][1][2].
[1] BBC Sport. (2023, December 1). Zhao Xintong wins first women's world title. https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/62037176
[2] ESPN. (2023, May 22). Zhao Xintong wins snooker world championship. https://www.espn.com/snooker/story/_/id/35595255/zhao-xintong-gets-better-world-champion
[3] The Guardian. (2023, September 1). Ding Junhui sets sights on world snooker title. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/01/ding-junhui-sets-sights-on-world-snooker-title
[4] The Telegraph. (2023, October 11). Ding Junhui crowned China's premier snooker star. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/snooker/3506753/Ding-Junhui-crowned-Chinas-premier-snooker-star.html
[5] Sky Sports. (2023, May 31). Zhao Xintong wins first snooker ranking title at Betfred World Championship. https://www.skysports.com/snooker/news/12100/12349810/zhao-xintong-clinches-first-ranking-title-at-betfred-world-championship
- Despite Ding Junhui falling just shy of claiming the World Championship in 2016, his tenacity earned him a place in the sport's annals, and his unique journey inspires generations of Chinese snooker players.
- In a captivating rise to fame, left-handed Zhao Xintong, inspired by Ding Junhui, garnered worldwide attention and later etched his name into history by clinching the World Snooker Championship in 2025.
- Their shared story epitomizes inspiration, courage, and the transformative effects on Chinese snooker, setting the stage for China to establish itself as a prominent force on the global snooker stage.
