Snooker is looking to build on Zhao Xintong’s historic win as world champion to push for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. According to Jason Ferguson, president of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), this moment could be one of the most significant in the history of the sport.
Zhao became the first Chinese world snooker champion on Monday after beating Mark Williams 18-12 in a final that marked his triumphant return to the sport, nine months after serving a 20-month suspension for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.
A historic triumph for snooker in China
The impact of Zhao’s triumph in China has been enormous. With approximately 300,000 recognized snooker halls in the country and an estimated audience of more than 150 million people watching the final, the sport has reached a new level of popularity. This success not only strengthens snooker’s position in China, but also boosts its international reach.
Jason Ferguson highlighted the importance of this achievement for the future of the sport: “The size of snooker in China and its relevance to the International Olympic Committee means that this is snooker’s moment. Someone has to say that now is snooker’s time.”
The road to Brisbane 2032
Ferguson noted that Australia is a key target for snooker, and that talks are already underway with multi-sport bodies to promote its inclusion in the Olympic Games. He also stressed the need for snooker to be treated as an Olympic sport in countries such as the UK, where it already has Sport England recognition.
The WPBSA president also suggested that the inclusion of snooker in events such as the Commonwealth Games, the Olympic Games or even the Paralympic Games could be a crucial step for its global growth.
Zhao Xintong, a champion with unlimited potential
Ferguson predicted a bright future for Zhao Xintong, stating that he could become the highest earning player in snooker history. “The size of the market and the partnership with brands that want to collaborate with snooker has endless potential.”
