Could the growth of snooker in China be significant following Zhao Xintong's historic victory?
Zhao Xintong's triumphant claim of the World Snooker Championship titles, making history as the first Chinese player to do so, has sent ripples of excitement about a potential snooker boom in China. But, according to global sports experts, don't pop the champagne just yet - it might be more talk than action.
With a billion-plus folks residing in China, expectations soar high that snooker will soon conquer the nation. Zhao's glorious victory at the Crucible on Monday certainly raised expectations and sparked curiosity among Chinese sports enthusiasts.
However, the Chinese government's focus lies elsewhere, and Zhao's past association with match-fixing scandals adds a layer of uncertainty to the entire scenario, asserts Professor Simon Chadwick.
"If even a tiny fraction of the Chinese population gets smitten by Zhao Xintong's win, then the numbers will make people conclude that China is about to become a snooker-crazy nation," Chadwick explained in conversation with City AM.
Unfortunately, he continued, "China remains a basketball-loving, mass participation-sports nation. For instance, running and dancing – more like it when it comes to their sports preferences. Yes, there are snooker facilities, but they're not easily found nationwide."
The Chinese government plays a crucial role in determining the sports the nation adopts and follows. With Zhao's win and international ban for match-fixing still fresh in the minds of Chinese officials, they might be reluctant to promote snooker, citing concerns about gambling and poor governance.
Zhao's victory could potentially pave the way for more snooker events in China, but it's far-fetched to expect China to declare snooker a national priority anytime soon.
"Zhao's talent and victory are undeniable, but the hype following his win will mostly consist of bluster rather than substance for the time being," Chadwick added.
Zhao, at 28, became the first amateur to clinch the World Snooker Championship. His success assured he will regain his tour card, joining the pro ranks where his future looks bright, according to beaten finalist Mark Williams and promoter Barry Hearn.
"He's not played in two years and still crushed everyone," Williams applauded. "There's a new superstar in the making. It could be life-changing for the sport, potentially opening floodgates everywhere."
Hearn, too, sees Zhao as the catalyst for changing the game in China and called him "the leader of the next batch of Chinese players."
While Zhao's win may not alter the face of snooker in China overnight, the historic moment is certainly stirring a sense of excitement and potential for the sports industry in China. Only time will tell if Zhao truly unleashes the snooker boom China has been waiting for.
- The Chinese government's focus on mass participation sports, such as running and dancing, may prevent snooker from becoming a national priority, despite Zhao Xintong's victory.
- Zhao's win and international ban for match-fixing scandals might make Chinese officials reluctant to promote snooker, citing concerns about gambling and poor governance.
- Zhao's success in the World Snooker Championship has the potential to pave the way for more snooker events in China, but it's far-fetched to expect China to adopt snooker as a national priority soon.
- Mark Williams and promoter Barry Hearn see Zhao as a potential catalyst for change in the snooker industry in China, and believe he could open floodgates for future Chinese players.
