Snooker’s Olympic push gets a jolt from China’s back-to-back world champions

2 min read
Snooker’s Olympic push gets a jolt from China’s back-to-back world champions

Snooker’s Olympic push gets a jolt from China’s back-to-back world champions

Snooker’s bid to enter the Olympic Games will be boosted by having back-to-back world champions from China, the sport’s top official said on Tuesday. Wu Yize beat Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a dramatic world championship final on Monday to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Zhao Xintong, who became As

Snooker’s Olympic push gets a jolt from China’s back-to-back world champions

Snooker’s bid to enter the Olympic Games will be boosted by having back-to-back world champions from China, the sport’s top official said on Tuesday. Wu Yize beat Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a dramatic world championship final on Monday to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Zhao Xintong, who became Asia’s first ever world champion 12 months ago. Britain has long been snooker’s traditional stronghold but China — where there are around 300,000 recognized snooker clubs — is the growing force in the game, providing 11 of the 32 players in the main draw of the worlds over the last two weeks and five in the top 16 of the world ranking.

Snooker's dream of Olympic inclusion just got a powerful cue from China. With back-to-back world champions emerging from the nation, the sport's top official declared on Tuesday that this momentum could be the game-changer needed for a spot in the Games.

In a heart-stopping final on Monday, China's Wu Yize edged out England's Shaun Murphy 18-17 to claim the world championship title. The dramatic victory came exactly 12 months after fellow Chinese star Zhao Xintong made history as Asia's first-ever world champion—a one-two punch that has the snooker world buzzing.

While Britain has long been the traditional powerhouse of the sport, the balance of power is clearly shifting. China now boasts an astonishing 300,000 recognized snooker clubs, and the numbers tell the story: 11 of the 32 players in the main draw of this year's World Championship hailed from China, with five cracking the top 16 in global rankings.

For fans and players alike, this surge in Chinese talent isn't just about national pride—it's about taking snooker to the world's biggest stage. As the sport continues to grow beyond its British roots, the Olympic push has never looked stronger. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just picking up a cue for the first time, there's never been a more exciting time to be part of the snooker community.

Like this article?

Order custom jerseys for your team with free design

Related News

Back to All News