Zhao Xintong’s Historic World Title Fuels Snooker’s Olympic Dreams for Brisbane 2032

 

Zhao Xintong’s historic 2025 World Snooker Championship victory, defeating Mark Williams 18-12, marks him as the first Chinese player to claim the prestigious title. This milestone is a significant boost for snooker’s campaign to secure a spot in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. 

China, snooker’s largest market, saw up to 150 million viewers watch the final, highlighting the sport’s massive global appeal. With over 300,000 snooker halls and academies integrated into Chinese schools, the sport’s infrastructure is robust, particularly appealing to younger audiences and aligning with the Olympics’ push for gender neutral events. 

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Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, described Zhao’s win as potentially one of the most pivotal moments in snooker’s history, fueling optimism for Olympic inclusion. However, challenges persist. Snooker competes with other sports like flag football and lacrosse for Olympic slots, and Zhao’s reputation carries baggage from a 20-month suspension due to a 2023 match fixing scandal. Despite this, his redemption arc, coupled with snooker’s surging popularity in China, strengthens its case. 

The sport’s accessibility, global reach, and alignment with Olympic trends favoring youthful, diverse events position it as a compelling candidate. Zhao’s victory not only elevates his status as a national hero but also underscores snooker’s potential to captivate a worldwide audience on the Olympic stage, provided it can navigate the competitive and political hurdles ahead.