SHEFFIELD — Zhao Xintong’s historic victory at the 2023 World Snooker Championship could be a pivotal moment for the sport’s bid to join the Olympic Games by 2032, according to World Snooker chairman Jason Ferguson. The 25-year-old Chinese star became the first player from mainland China to win the prestigious title, defeating Judd Trump 18-15 in a thrilling final at the Crucible Theatre.
Ferguson believes Zhao’s triumph will significantly boost snooker’s global appeal, particularly in Asia, where the sport has seen exponential growth. "Zhao’s win is a game-changer for snooker’s Olympic ambitions," Ferguson told reporters. "His success showcases the sport’s diversity and potential to attract new audiences, which is crucial for Olympic inclusion."
Snooker’s Olympic Aspirations
Snooker has been pushing for Olympic recognition for years, with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) submitting formal bids for the 2024 and 2028 Games. While unsuccessful, the sport’s governing body is now focusing on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, leveraging Zhao’s rise as a key selling point.
Ferguson highlighted several factors that make snooker a strong candidate:
- Global Participation: Over 120 countries have active snooker federations.
- Youth Engagement: Initiatives like the World Snooker Federation’s junior programs are expanding the sport’s reach.
- Asian Market: China alone has over 60 million snooker players, with Zhao’s win expected to inspire millions more.
The Zhao Effect
Zhao’s victory has already had a measurable impact. Broadcast ratings in China surged by 40% during the World Championship final, with over 100 million viewers tuning in. Social media engagement also skyrocketed, with #ZhaoXintong trending for days on Weibo.
"This is exactly the kind of momentum we need," Ferguson said. "The IOC looks for sports with universal appeal, and Zhao’s success proves snooker has that."
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, snooker faces hurdles in its Olympic bid. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has strict criteria, including gender equality and youth appeal. Ferguson acknowledged the need for progress:
- Women’s Snooker: While growing, it still lags behind the men’s game in visibility.
- Format: Olympic events must be concise, requiring adjustments to snooker’s traditionally long matches.
The Road to 2032
The WPBSA plans to submit its formal bid by 2025, with a focus on demonstrating snooker’s evolution. "We’re not just a traditional sport anymore," Ferguson emphasized. "We’re modernizing, and Zhao’s win is proof of that."
Key strategies include:
- Expanding women’s tournaments and prize funds.
- Introducing shorter, faster formats for Olympic compatibility.
- Leveraging Zhao’s star power to attract sponsors.
Conclusion
Zhao Xintong’s World Championship win has injected new energy into snooker’s Olympic dreams. While challenges remain, Ferguson is confident: "This is our moment. Snooker belongs on the Olympic stage, and we’re ready to prove it."
With the 2032 bid process underway, the sport’s stakeholders are optimistic that Zhao’s breakthrough could be the catalyst snooker needs to finally secure its place among the Olympic elite.
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