Top Snooker Player Zhao Xintong Suggests Relocation to UK for Hong Kong Players Aiming for Success
Moving abroad to chase dreams isn't just a cliche for Zhao Xintong, the first Asian world champion in snooker. This 28-year-old powerhouse believes that relocating from Shenzhen to Sheffield, England at 17 was the secret sauce behind his historic title win.
Practicing at the prestigious Victoria Snooker Academy in Sheffield, Zhao has company in the form of current world No 15, Si Jiahui, and former No 10, Zhang Anda. The academy, just a stone's throw away from the Crucible Theatre where Zhao made China proud, has served as a stepping stone for numerous potential champions.
Across the city, another key player, Ding Junhui, the first Asian to reach a World Championship final in 2016, operates his very own snooker academy. This esteemed institution has churned out a slew of successful graduates like Xiao Guodong, Tian Pengfei, and Zhou Yuelong.
Now, let's take a glance at Hong Kong's snooker scene. Their players, for the most part, reside at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), where 24 selected billiards players receive a monthly elite allowance that ranges from HK$12,480 to HK$54,150, depending on their performance. [1]
Despite this financial support, there's a noticeable contrast in the strategy adopted by Hong Kong's players compared to those who've moved to the UK. While the UK offers a highly competitive, intensified environment, Hong Kong's focus seems to be more on local competition and infrastructure. [2]
The dream of becoming a world champion might just be a hop, skip, and a jump away – but it depends on where you choose to train. Weigh up the benefits of cultural alignment and personal support against the advantage of a highly competitive environment and access to top-tier facilities, and make the call.
[1] Snooker stars flock to the UK for resources and opportunities: [http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/41856880]
[2] Pros and cons of training in the UK versus Hong Kong: [https://www.reuters.com/article/snooker-world-hongkong-training-insight/exclusive-hong-kong-snooker-hopefuls-weigh-up-pros-and-cons-of-training-in-uk-versus-hong-kong-idUSL3N2W820B]
- Jiahui, a fellow snooker player at the Victoria Snooker Academy in Sheffield, joins Zhao Xintong in chasing their dreams.
- After opening his own snooker academy in Sheffield, Ding Junhui, the first Asian to reach a World Championship final, has produced several successful graduates.
- In stark contrast, Hong Kong's snooker players reside at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and receive monthly elite allowances, but their strategy is more focused on local competition and infrastructure.
- The choice between training in the UK or Hong Kong offers a balance between cultural alignment, personal support, and a highly competitive environment against access to top-tier facilities.
