Zhao's win boosts snooker's Olympic hopes
SHEFFIELD — Zhao Xintong's historic World Snooker Championship victory could play a pivotal role in snooker's ambitious bid to become an Olympic sport by 2032, according to World Snooker Tour (WST) chairman Jason Ferguson. The 25-year-old Chinese star's triumph at the Crucible Theatre in 2022 marked a watershed moment for the sport, attracting unprecedented global attention—particularly in Asia—and bolstering its case for Olympic inclusion.
Ferguson, a former professional player turned administrator, believes Zhao's success has amplified snooker's international appeal at a critical juncture. "Zhao’s victory wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a catalyst for snooker’s globalization," Ferguson told reporters. "His win resonated across China, where millions now see snooker as a viable career path. This momentum is vital for our Olympic aspirations."
The Olympic Pathway: Why 2032 Matters
Snooker’s inclusion in the Olympics has long been debated, but the 2032 Brisbane Games present a unique opportunity. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has prioritized sports with strong youth engagement and global participation—criteria snooker now meets more than ever. Key factors driving the bid include:
- Expanding demographics: Over 120 countries now have active snooker federations, with explosive growth in China (50 million weekly viewers) and India.
- Youth programs: The WST’s "Snooker Futures" initiative has launched academies in 12 nations since 2020.
- Gender parity: Women’s snooker viewership rose 300% in 2023, fueled by stars like Reanne Evans and Ng On-yee.
The Zhao Effect: A Game-Changer for Asia
Zhao’s 2022 championship run—where he defeated Judd Trump 18-15 in a thrilling final—drew 210 million unique viewers in China alone, surpassing Premier League soccer broadcasts that year. "That final was China’s most-watched non-Olympic sporting event of the decade," noted CGTN sports analyst Li Wei.
The ripple effects were immediate. Participation in China’s national snooker league doubled within 12 months, while equipment sales surged by 75%. Ferguson emphasized: "The IOC looks for sports that inspire new generations. Zhao’s impact proves snooker does exactly that—especially in markets crucial to the Olympics’ future."
Overcoming Olympic Hurdles
Despite progress, challenges remain. Snooker must convince the IOC it meets technical standards for Olympic broadcasting and anti-doping compliance. The WST has invested £2.3 million in drug-testing infrastructure since 2021 and shortened matches to fit TV schedules. "We’ve adapted frame lengths and introduced shot clocks to align with Olympic formats," Ferguson revealed.
Critics argue snooker lacks the physicality of traditional Olympic sports, but Ferguson counters: "Precision sports like archery and shooting are Olympic staples. Snooker demands extraordinary mental stamina—our players burn 4,000 calories per match through concentration alone." A 2023 Cambridge University study supported this, showing top players’ cognitive loads rival those of chess grandmasters.
Global Voices Back the Bid
Support has poured in from snooker’s elite. Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan stated: "The Olympics would take snooker to the next level. Zhao showed what’s possible when new markets embrace our sport." Even rivals like Neil Robertson endorsed the push, tweeting: "2032 or bust—let’s make history."
The final decision rests with the IOC, which will evaluate snooker’s application in late 2025. With Brisbane’s organizing committee already expressing interest (snooker venues require minimal infrastructure), Ferguson remains optimistic: "Zhao’s win was step one. Now we must prove snooker belongs on the world’s biggest sporting stage."
As training camps multiply from Beijing to Berlin, the sport’s grassroots boom may ultimately tip the scales. For Zhao Xintong, the stakes transcend trophies: "If my victory helps snooker become Olympic, that would be my greatest achievement," he told state broadcaster CCTV. One thing is certain—the green baize’s Olympic dreams have never felt more attainable.