https://www.scmp.com/rss/326277/feed World Snooker, also known as the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), was founded in 1968 and is based in Bristol, UK. It is the governing body of professional snooker. World Snooker is responsible for running and administering snooker's main ranking circuit events. These include the Shanghai Masters, World Open, UK Championship, Welsh Open, China Open and the World Snooker Championship. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Snooker world No 1 Bai Yulu said on Tuesday that she hopes her journey inspires more people to appreciate the sport’s charm, and encourages more girls to pick up a cue. In a 37-minute interview with state media, the 22-year-old discussed her career path and described herself as still being in a “growth phase”. The defending women’s world snooker champion defined herself as a “clumsy bird flying early”, attributing her success to a lot of practice rather than being a “genius”. “I think talent... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348797/chinese-world-no-1-snooker-player-bai-yulu-hoping-more-girls-will-emulate-her-journey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348797/chinese-world-no-1-snooker-player-bai-yulu-hoping-more-girls-will-emulate-her-journey?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Sheffield’s Crucible will remain home to the World Snooker Championship until at least 2045, ending fears that the sport’s flagship event would quit the celebrated venue. An agreement between the World Snooker Tour (WST) and Sheffield City Council means the event will be held at the theatre for the next two decades, with an option to extend to 2050. A planned £45 million (US$60 million) redevelopment will provide the potential to add an additional 500 seats, but means the event must temporarily... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347789/world-snooker-championship-stay-crucible-until-least-2045-redevelopment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347789/world-snooker-championship-stay-crucible-until-least-2045-redevelopment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 03:04:10 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Ronnie O’Sullivan keeps breaking records in snooker – now, at age 50, he has made the highest-ever break in the history of the professional game. The seven-time world champion cleared the table for a break of 153 in the first frame of his 5-0 win over Ryan Day at the World Open in China. The highest possible break is 155. The previous biggest break in competition was 148, made by Jamie Burnett in qualifying for the UK Championship in 2004. “I feel blessed to be able to achieve these things,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347317/ronnie-osullivan-makes-snooker-history-highest-ever-break-153-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347317/ronnie-osullivan-makes-snooker-history-highest-ever-break-153-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:07:42 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese snooker star Zhao Xintong said he was not “thinking too much” about the prospect of retaining his world title in April after winning the Players Championship in England on Sunday. In-form Zhao beat the evergreen John Higgins 10-7 at Telford International Centre to capture his fifth career ranking title. Zhao was also only the 14th player to win back-to-back ranking events on the World Snooker Tour, after his World Grand Prix triumph in Hong Kong a fortnight ago. Aiming to become the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3344303/zhao-xintong-attributes-surge-form-mental-prowess-after-winning-players-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3344303/zhao-xintong-attributes-surge-form-mental-prowess-after-winning-players-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:33:49 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese snooker star Zhao Xintong is leaving nothing to chance ahead of this week’s Players Championship, right down to the shirt he plans to wear in his opening clash with Elliot Slessor. Like many athletes, the reigning world champion is superstitious and sported a white shirt throughout his run to the World Grand Prix title in Hong Kong earlier this month. The 28-year-old typically rotates between white and black garments during tournaments, but beat John Higgins in the first round wearing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3343712/superstitious-chinese-snooker-star-zhao-xintong-betting-white-keep-hot-streak-going?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3343712/superstitious-chinese-snooker-star-zhao-xintong-betting-white-keep-hot-streak-going?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan World champion snooker star Zhao Xintong admitted he is still learning about the game after adding the Hong Kong World Grand Prix title to his name. Nine months and 12 ranking tournaments after becoming the first player from China to win the World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield, Zhao beat compatriot Zhang Anda 10-6 at Kai Tak Arena to claim his fourth career ranking title on Sunday. Speaking exclusively to the South China Morning Post a day later, Zhao said he was “only at 40 per... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3342908/china-star-zhao-xintong-says-he-still-learning-after-winning-world-grand-prix-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3342908/china-star-zhao-xintong-says-he-still-learning-after-winning-world-grand-prix-title?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:10 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Zhao Xintong maintained his perfect finals record after edging past fellow Chinese Zhang Anda 10-6 to clinch the World Grand Prix title in Hong Kong on Sunday. The win marked Zhao’s fifth title – ranking and non-ranking – in as many final appearances since 2021, after his previous victories at the UK Championship, German Masters, World Snooker Championship and the Riyadh Season Player Championship. “I am very excited right now because it’s my first time playing in such a ranking tournament in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342848/zhao-xintong-wins-world-grand-prix-title-hong-kong-keep-finals-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342848/zhao-xintong-wins-world-grand-prix-title-hong-kong-keep-finals-record-intact?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:13:59 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Zhang Anda said he would have preferred playing “in front of more crowds” after edging past fellow Chinese Zhou Yuelong in a nail-biting 6-5 win on Saturday to seal a spot in the World Grand Prix final. Zhang will face compatriot Zhao Xintong at Kai Tak Arena on Sunday after the latter beat Xiao Guodong 6-3 in the second semi-final in the evening. The early afternoon session, in front of roughly 300 spectators – out of a maximum 3,500 under the one-table set-up – saw plenty of brilliant moments... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342777/paltry-hong-kong-crowd-watches-zhang-anda-beat-zhou-yuelong-reach-world-grand-prix-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342777/paltry-hong-kong-crowd-watches-zhang-anda-beat-zhou-yuelong-reach-world-grand-prix-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:09:41 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan The head of world snooker has said that it was always a challenge to schedule events throughout the season, given the tight, packed calendar. The comments came after claims of “poor scheduling” from some top players during the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong. Earlier this week, English player Kyren Wilson said he felt “disheartened and sad” about the tournament schedule after playing soon after rushing over from a tournament in Germany, before crashing out against Xiao Guodong in the first round... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342653/world-snooker-tour-ceo-defends-scheduling-events-after-player-complaints-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342653/world-snooker-tour-ceo-defends-scheduling-events-after-player-complaints-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:00:15 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese snooker players secured a record-breaking four spots in the World Grand Prix semi-finals in Hong Kong on Friday. In the evening quarter-finals, Zhao Xintong almost threw away his solid 4-1 lead after Englishman Chris Wakelin produced three big breaks of 91, 76 and 118 to force the decider. Two audacious long shots to the corner pocket in the ninth frame gave reigning world champion Zhao a healthy lead before the world No 8 from China eventually ended the frame and the match with a narrow... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342678/xiao-guodong-zone-way-victory-against-si-jiahui-world-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342678/xiao-guodong-zone-way-victory-against-si-jiahui-world-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:51:15 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Xiao Guodong said he was not happy with eliminating his idol Ronnie O’Sullivan after beating the seven-time world champion 5-3 to book a World Grand Prix quarter-final spot on Thursday. Breaks of 144 and 78 gave Xiao a 2-0 lead but O’Sullivan twice drew level to split the first six frames with the world No 10 from Chongqing. Two more 50-plus breaks from Xiao eventually sealed his back-to-back wins over O’Sullivan, after also beating the decorated Englishman at the Champions of Champions in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342559/xiao-guodong-says-its-complicated-he-knocks-out-ronnie-osullivan-world-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3342559/xiao-guodong-says-its-complicated-he-knocks-out-ronnie-osullivan-world-grand-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:19:41 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ronnie O’Sullivan said he was “not a good player anymore”, after the seven-time world champion overcame a slow start, and visible frustrations over his cue tip, to beat Joe O’Connor 5-3 on Wednesday and book a World Grand Prix second-round meeting with Xiao Guodong. Playing just his third match of the year, a subdued and scratchy O’Sullivan trailed his fellow Englishman 2-0 and 3-2, before locating a measure of fluency to win three straight frames and avoid the fate of defending champion Neil... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342399/ronnie-osullivan-not-good-player-anymore-wins-first-match-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342399/ronnie-osullivan-not-good-player-anymore-wins-first-match-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:51:01 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan World No 2 and former snooker world champion Kyren Wilson blasted the “poor scheduling” of the World Grand Prix after crashing out in the first round of yet another ranking tournament this season, losing 5-2 to Xiao Guodong in Hong Kong on Tuesday. World No 10 Xiao and Wilson both capitalised on each other’s mistakes in the opening frames but it was the Chinese player who prevailed in the fourth frame to take a 3-1 lead at the break. Wilson, the 2024 world champion, showed resilience to stay in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342221/jet-lag-lack-sleep-no-problem-mark-selby-hong-kongs-world-grand-prix-snooker?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342221/jet-lag-lack-sleep-no-problem-mark-selby-hong-kongs-world-grand-prix-snooker?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:00:46 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Ronnie O’Sullivan will make a rare competitive appearance in Hong Kong this week at the World Grand Prix, but how much more snooker he plays this season entirely depends on whether he feels like it. The Englishman is well-known for his mercurial approach to the game, and having skipped last year’s tournament at Kai Tak Arena, this will be his first official outing in the city since taking up Hong Kong residency in 2024. Fans might even consider themselves lucky, with the seven-time world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342121/ronnie-osullivan-make-rare-hong-kong-appearance-plans-little-snooker-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3342121/ronnie-osullivan-make-rare-hong-kong-appearance-plans-little-snooker-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ng On-yee failed in her quest to win the 2026 WSF Women’s Championship, losing 4-0 in the final to reigning world champion Bai Yulu of China on Friday night. Defeat in Bulgaria also cost the Hongkonger the opportunity to claim the world No 1 spot, with Bai leapfrogging Thai player Mink Nutcharut at the top of the global standings following her whitewash victory. Bai, who has already won the UK Championship, Niche Cues Open and Irish Open in the first half of the season, did not lose a single... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3341110/hong-kongs-ng-yee-falls-chinas-bai-yulu-final-wsf-womens-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3341110/hong-kongs-ng-yee-falls-chinas-bai-yulu-final-wsf-womens-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:30:07 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong’s Ng On-yee has advanced to the final of the 2026 WSF Women’s Championship, where she will face defending world champion Bai Yulu of China on Friday night for the world No 1 spot. This is the first women’s event of the 2026 WSF Tour, held over five days in Sofia, Bulgaria, with 12 players taking part. Ng, the three-time women’s world champion, reached the final by defeating two Thai opponents, including the current world No 1, in the women’s knockout stage. In the group stage, Ng won... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3341015/hong-kongs-ng-yee-face-chinas-bai-yulu-final-2026-wsf-womens-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3341015/hong-kongs-ng-yee-face-chinas-bai-yulu-final-2026-wsf-womens-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:00:13 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Snooker in Hong Kong will have a home at Kai Tak Arena for the next four years, organisers of the World Grand Prix said on Friday, although whether Ronnie O’Sullivan makes an appearance is still in doubt. The mercurial Englishman skipped last year’s tournament in the city, and although he is on the list of the top 32 players expected to compete at Hong Kong’s newest venue, he has withdrawn from this week’s Masters on medical grounds. Still, the likes of defending champion Neil Robertson,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340170/world-snooker-grand-prix-will-have-kai-tak-home-until-2029-will-osullivan-ever-come?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340170/world-snooker-grand-prix-will-have-kai-tak-home-until-2029-will-osullivan-ever-come?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:32:25 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan The snooker fiasco that made Hong Kong and Kai Tak Arena the focus of global headlines for the wrong reasons in March will not happen again, organisers have told the Post, revealing a local curfew had been scrapped. Ahead of the World Grand Prix at the Kai Tak Sports Park venue in February, the company behind the event said multiple changes had been made, ensuring there would be no replay of the incident that saw fans kicked out because of rules regarding when spectators had to leave, even... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3334900/kai-tak-arena-curfew-made-hong-kong-snooker-joke-be-scrapped-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3334900/kai-tak-arena-curfew-made-hong-kong-snooker-joke-be-scrapped-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:30:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Neil Robertson raised the possibility of moving lock, stock and barrel to Hong Kong, and said he would be “right behind” the idea of the city hosting the World Snooker Championship. As the reigning World Grand Prix champion and winner of the 2017 Hong Kong Masters, Robertson welcomed the thought of snooker’s marquee event coming to the city. The Crucible Theatre’s contract to host the World Championship expires in 2027 – 50 years on from when the tournament was first held at the 980-seat... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3321044/hong-kong-new-boy-neil-robertson-backs-city-host-world-snooker-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3321044/hong-kong-new-boy-neil-robertson-backs-city-host-world-snooker-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Superstar duo Judd Trump and Neil Robertson have set themselves the ambitious target of producing Hong Kong’s first world snooker champion. Zhao Xintong finally won mainland China’s maiden World Championship crown this year, but Marco Fu Ka-chun’s 2006 and 2016 semi-final runs have been the best of it for Hong Kong. Fu’s compatriot Ng On-yee won the most recent of her three women’s world titles in 2019. The former world champion pair of Trump and Robertson, who both have Hong Kong residency,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3320985/hong-kong-aiming-produce-world-snooker-champion-help-judd-trump-neil-robertson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3320985/hong-kong-aiming-produce-world-snooker-champion-help-judd-trump-neil-robertson?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:30:17 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Ronnie O’Sullivan has returned to Hong Kong to attend the opening of a snooker club he co-funded in the city, in his first such move since being granted residency under a migrant scheme. And the seven-time world champion suggested at Wednesday’s ceremony that when he retires from snooker, he could set his sights on becoming the best in Chinese eight-ball pool. Speaking at the JJ8 Club in Kwun Tong, O’Sullivan said that he was looking forward to returning to the city as part of his tournament... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3319321/ronnie-osullivan-sets-sights-chinese-8-ball-pool-he-opens-snooker-club-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3319321/ronnie-osullivan-sets-sights-chinese-8-ball-pool-he-opens-snooker-club-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:00:32 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Zhang Anda expects China to threaten British dominance of snooker in the coming years, after compatriot Zhao Xintong became the first Asian to win the world title last month. Speaking ahead of an exhibition event starting in Hong Kong on Tuesday, Zhang said the game was only trending upwards in mainland China. When the 2025-26 season begins at the end of this month, there will be six Chinese players ranked inside the top 20, and 14 in the top 50 – second only to the 22 from the United... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3313722/chinas-snooker-players-will-be-major-threat-uk-dominance-says-world-no-12-zhang-anda?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3313722/chinas-snooker-players-will-be-major-threat-uk-dominance-says-world-no-12-zhang-anda?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:14 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu With China’s 15th National Games set for November, Hong Kong’s preparations are well under way. From Kai Tak Sports Park cutting its teeth on international events to the mobilisation of 15,000 local volunteers with training and test events, the city’s preparations signal that the Games are more than a sporting event. It is a platform for rethinking how Hong Kong engages with its Greater Bay Area neighbours, the city’s youth and the nation as a whole. This year marks the first time that Hong... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3313213/hong-kongs-co-hosting-national-games-about-much-more-sport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3313213/hong-kongs-co-hosting-national-games-about-much-more-sport?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Jun 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Former world snooker champion Neil Robertson revealed on Friday that he and his family had acquired Hong Kong residency. The Australian, who made the announcement on his official Weibo account, becomes the third high-profile player to take advantage of the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. England’s seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and world No 1 Judd Trump have both previously become residents. In a post in simplified Chinese, Robertson wrote that he was “very honoured that my... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3313435/former-world-champion-neil-robertson-third-snooker-star-become-hong-kong-resident?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3313435/former-world-champion-neil-robertson-third-snooker-star-become-hong-kong-resident?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:09:44 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan The disgraced Chinese snooker player Yan Bingtao has attracted criticism after offering advice to new world champion Zhao Xintong. Having kept a low profile since being banned for five years in 2023 for match-fixing, Yan on Wednesday posted a clip on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. The 25-year-old made no mention of his downfall or his future plans, but warned Zhao – who this month became the first from China to win the world title – of some potential pitfalls of his position. Zhao, now... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3312358/disgraced-chinese-snooker-star-yan-bingtao-criticised-advice-world-champion-zhao?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3312358/disgraced-chinese-snooker-star-yan-bingtao-criticised-advice-world-champion-zhao?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 May 2025 00:45:07 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Zhao Xintong has been unable to go anywhere in Shenzhen without being recognised since returning there with the most prized trophy in snooker, but that could be true of much of the planet before long. China’s first world champion slipped away from his hometown to visit neighbouring Hong Kong this week, and between describing dizzying new-found fame, he revealed ambitions of completing the triple crown of his sport’s biggest titles. He told the Post he also wanted to experience success in both... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3310630/snooker-champion-zhao-xintong-just-starting-he-targets-success-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3310630/snooker-champion-zhao-xintong-just-starting-he-targets-success-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 May 2025 09:00:15 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Ronnie O’Sullivan has not necessarily abandoned plans to deepen his ties with Hong Kong by suggesting he may move to the Middle East, local snooker insiders have said. The seven-time world snooker champion obtained Hong Kong residency last October under the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, but this month said he may relocate to the Middle East from his long-term base in Essex, near London. “I might be back in six months,” the 49-year-old said. Noting that O’Sullivan had a snooker academy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3310056/ronnie-osullivan-still-has-options-hong-kong-despite-middle-east-hint-sources-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3310056/ronnie-osullivan-still-has-options-hong-kong-despite-middle-east-hint-sources-say?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 May 2025 14:19:00 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Zhao Xintong has said Hong Kong’s snooker hopefuls needed to live and train in the United Kingdom if they wanted to follow in his footsteps and one day become world champion. The first Asian to win the world title, the 28-year-old believed moving from Shenzhen to Sheffield at 17 to pursue his dream of being a professional had been key to his historic victory. Zhao, who spent three years washing dishes in a Chinese restaurant as he honed his craft, practises at Victoria’s Snooker Academy, which... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309429/world-champ-zhao-xintong-says-hong-kong-snooker-players-should-move-uk-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309429/world-champ-zhao-xintong-says-hong-kong-snooker-players-should-move-uk-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Snooker world No 1 Judd Trump will headline an exhibition tournament in Hong Kong next month. The local resident will be joined by fellow British player Jack Lisowski, Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-nooh, Chinese pair Zhang Anda, the world No 12, and rising star Chen Qien. Also playing will be Hong Kong’s two-time Asian Games gold medallist Ivan Chan Kwok-ming, who claimed the men’s team title alongside Marco Fu and Chan Wai-tat in Bangkok in 1998, and Fu and Fung Kwok-wai in Busan four years... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3309531/hong-kong-resident-judd-trump-headline-local-snooker-tournament-june?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3309531/hong-kong-resident-judd-trump-headline-local-snooker-tournament-june?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 May 2025 06:15:14 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial China has waited a long time for its first world snooker champion. Zhao Xintong’s stunning victory in the final made a dream come true and will have far-reaching consequences for the sport. Zhao beat Welsh star Mark Williams in style, winning 18-12 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in England. He was given a standing ovation and waved the national flag. The 28-year-old had beaten seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, his mentor and a Hong Kong resident, in the semi-final. He showed great... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3309475/china-winner-zhao-snooker-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3309475/china-winner-zhao-snooker-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2025 22:45:08 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Zhao Xintong has said he was still coming to came to terms with the “unimaginable” achievement of becoming world snooker champion, but that was not stopping him thinking about how to spend the £500,000 (HK$5.18 million) prize money. China’s newest sporting star claimed one of the game’s grandest titles in Sheffield on Monday, beating Mark Williams 18-12 to become the first Asian player to win at the Crucible Theatre. An estimated 150 million people watched in mainland China as Zhao beat the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309431/chinas-snooker-king-zhao-xintong-fame-wang-chuqin-and-blowing-prize-money-watches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309431/chinas-snooker-king-zhao-xintong-fame-wang-chuqin-and-blowing-prize-money-watches?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2025 12:00:14 +0000 Mike Chan,Tom Bell Mike Chan,Tom Bell A curious footnote to Zhao Xintong’s triumph at the World Snooker Championship on Monday is that he remains banned from playing in China. He is forbidden to appear at events there, despite being free to compete in – and win – the world’s biggest tournaments. The origins lie in 2023, when Zhao was among 10 Chinese players banned in the sport’s biggest match-fixing scandal. An investigation found he had not fixed matches, but he was handed a global suspension of 30 months, reduced to 20 months,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309335/why-new-world-snooker-champion-zhao-xintong-cannot-play-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309335/why-new-world-snooker-champion-zhao-xintong-cannot-play-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2025 00:45:08 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Leading lights of snooker have lined up to hail the impact of Zhao Xintong’s World Championship triumph, with the governing body’s chief suggesting it would fuel a boom for the sport. A first for China and indeed Asia, Zhao’s success on Monday may have been applauded loudest in Shenzhen, where he was raised, and in Sheffield, the scene of the victory and his adoptive home. But the cueist nicknamed “The Cyclone” blew away his opponents with such force that it sent ripples right across the snooker... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309331/chinas-snooker-cyclone-zhao-xintong-earns-applause-forgiveness-and-national-hero-tag?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309331/chinas-snooker-cyclone-zhao-xintong-earns-applause-forgiveness-and-national-hero-tag?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2025 22:45:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese snooker trailblazer Ding Junhui has led the tributes at home after Zhao Xintong’s historic win at the World Snooker Championship, calling it their nation’s “shared dream”. Ding, who has often felt the pressure of expectation that he would be China’s first winner of the global crown, used social media to congratulate his compatriot on getting there first. “The darkness we once walked through, it was all so that people could see the light,” Ding wrote. “Today Zhao Xintong did it! What he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309289/ding-junhui-leads-praise-china-snooker-champion-zhao-grants-nations-wish?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309289/ding-junhui-leads-praise-china-snooker-champion-zhao-grants-nations-wish?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2025 10:58:59 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell China’s Zhao Xintong has fulfilled his dazzling promise with a performance of rare dominance to win the World Snooker Championship, beating Mark Williams at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. It was a historic first triumph in the tournament for China. Watched by millions back home, the 28-year-old placed himself at the forefront of an exciting generation of young Chinese talent. The great Ronnie O’Sullivan once said Zhao had the ability to be snooker’s Roger Federer. That prospect looked in peril... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3309173/who-zhao-xintong-made-xian-and-shenzhen-chinas-world-snooker-champion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3309173/who-zhao-xintong-made-xian-and-shenzhen-chinas-world-snooker-champion?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2025 01:30:26 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Zhao Xintong completed China’s arrival as a snooker powerhouse by becoming its first winner of the World Championship in England late on Monday. An 18-12 defeat of Mark Williams in the final at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre clinched a breakthrough triumph for Zhao that promises to inspire future generations in his home country – now snooker’s biggest market. Resuming with a 17-8 lead and needing one more frame to complete victory, the 28-year-old proceeded to lose the first four to his veteran... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309144/world-snooker-championship-final-zhao-xintong-chases-victory-over-mark-williams?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309144/world-snooker-championship-final-zhao-xintong-chases-victory-over-mark-williams?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2025 12:50:44 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Zhao Xintong moved seven frames away from becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship by building an 11-6 lead over veteran Mark Williams on Sunday’s opening day of the final. The 28-year-old Zhang left three-time world champion Williams playing catch-up after he made a blistering start to take the first session 7-1 at the Crucible Theatre. But the 50-year-old Williams, bidding to become snooker’s oldest world champion, fought back during the evening session. His... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309041/world-snooker-championship-final-zhao-xintong-makes-flying-start-against-mark-williams?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3309041/world-snooker-championship-final-zhao-xintong-makes-flying-start-against-mark-williams?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 May 2025 13:29:14 +0000 Tom Bell Tom Bell Zhao Xintong stands one victory away from becoming China’s first winner of the World Snooker Championship after a stunning semi-final defeat of Ronnie O’Sullivan. The 28-year-old Zhao thrashed the seven-time champion 17-7 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre late on Friday to progress to the final, which will take place on Sunday and Monday. A scarcely believable first Friday session had gone 8-0 in Zhao’s favour, giving him a 12-4 lead in the best-of-33 contest and setting him up to close out one of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3308912/zhao-xintong-beats-ronnie-osullivan-reach-world-snooker-championship-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3308912/zhao-xintong-beats-ronnie-osullivan-reach-world-snooker-championship-final?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 May 2025 20:26:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse China’s Zhao Xintong and seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan were all-square after a gripping opening session of their World Snooker Championship semi-final on Thursday, while Hong Kong resident Judd Trump inched ahead in the other semi. O’Sullivan’s pedigree and experience on the big stage did not deter Zhao, who took a 2-0 lead and then finished impressively with a break of 86 to leave things level after the initial leg of their best-of-33 contest. Englishman O’Sullivan won three frames in a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308750/zhao-xintong-level-ronnie-osullivan-world-snooker-championship-semi-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308750/zhao-xintong-level-ronnie-osullivan-world-snooker-championship-semi-final?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 May 2025 01:27:43 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport China’s Zhao Xintong has set his sights on becoming the first amateur to win the World Snooker Championship after reaching the semi-finals for the first time. The 28-year-old on Thursday began his last-four clash with seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, having the previous day beaten Chris Wakelin 13-5 before O’Sullivan overcame Zhao’s compatriot Si Jiahui 13-9 in the quarter-finals. Zhao is having to play as an amateur as he returns to the sport after serving... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308632/chinas-zhao-xintong-first-world-championship-semi-final-face-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308632/chinas-zhao-xintong-first-world-championship-semi-final-face-ronnie-osullivan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 May 2025 03:33:08 +0000 Chinese debutant Lei Peifan caused a huge shock on the first day of the World Snooker Championship as he stunned defending champion Kyren Wilson 10-9 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. Wilson’s first-round exit means that the “Crucible Curse” has struck again, with no first-time winner having been able to retain their world crown since the tournament moved to the venue in 1977. World No 39 Lei, one of a record 10 Chinese players in this year’s draw, looked down and out early on. England’s Wilson,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3307194/chinas-lei-peifan-stuns-reigning-snooker-world-champion-kyren-wilson-crucible-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3307194/chinas-lei-peifan-stuns-reigning-snooker-world-champion-kyren-wilson-crucible-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Apr 2025 01:27:27 +0000 Zhao Xintong will be among a record number of Chinese players at the Halo World Snooker Championship when it begins this weekend, and Thursday’s draw revealed who the country’s 10 representatives will face. Two were handed especially tough starts, with Lei Peifan facing defending champion Kyren Wilson in Saturday’s opening session, and Zhou Yuelong drawn against world No 1 Judd Trump. Hong Kong resident Trump will fly the flag alone for the city after Wang Yuchen fell at the final qualifying... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3306920/world-snooker-championship-10-chinese-players-learn-draw-zhao-xintong-face-jak-jones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3306920/world-snooker-championship-10-chinese-players-learn-draw-zhao-xintong-face-jak-jones?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Apr 2025 08:38:57 +0000 Prestigious tennis and snooker tournaments have been among the many elite sports events hosted by Hong Kong in recent months. Snooker’s World Grand Prix, at the new Kai Tak Sports Park, attracted the world’s leading players. Tennis fans, meanwhile, enjoyed the Hong Kong Open men’s tournament in January, one of three international competitions hosted by the city each year. But the two sports were facing demotion from their Tier A status, which would have led to a devastating cut in government... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3306248/winning-decision-tennis-and-snooker-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3306248/winning-decision-tennis-and-snooker-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Apr 2025 22:30:06 +0000 More sports in Hong Kong could qualify for elite status at the city’s Sports Institute and several under threat of being downgraded were expected to be thrown a lifeline, with officials considering changes to how they judge success, the Post has learned. Snooker and tennis are among those who could benefit from the move, with neither sport having met the current criteria to maintain their Tier A rankings. For a sport to be considered elite, its athletes must qualify for the Olympics or Asian... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3303447/snooker-and-tennis-could-be-spared-axe-hong-kong-chiefs-eye-change-elite-status-rule?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3303447/snooker-and-tennis-could-be-spared-axe-hong-kong-chiefs-eye-change-elite-status-rule?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Mar 2025 05:34:15 +0000 Organisers of snooker’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong earlier this month have insisted ticket sales met expectations despite a predicted world-record crowd failing to materialise. Hong Kong’s first competitive tournament on the global circuit in 36 years, it featured most of the leading players and was the first major sporting event held at Kai Tak Sports Park since its official opening on March 1. There were expectations of a record attendance for a snooker ranking event, with Kai Tak Arena... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3303402/hong-kong-snooker-events-crowds-met-expectations-despite-no-world-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3303402/hong-kong-snooker-events-crowds-met-expectations-despite-no-world-record?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:51:05 +0000 Hong Kong teenager Shaun Liu Yu-sang has vowed to continue targeting a place on snooker’s elite circuit in the UK even if his sport has its funding cut in his hometown. Liu, 14, has been on a fast track to the top for some time and this month again showed his precocious talent when he was narrowly beaten in the final of the English Under-18 Snooker Championship. After his nail-biting 5-4 loss to Vladislav Gradinari of Moldova in the decider in Northampton, Liu set himself the goal of turning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3302522/hong-kongs-teen-sensation-snooker-player-liu-eyes-pro-status-even-if-funding-cut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3302522/hong-kongs-teen-sensation-snooker-player-liu-eyes-pro-status-even-if-funding-cut?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Mar 2025 02:00:23 +0000 Hong Kong hosted two leading events this past week that simultaneously demonstrated its strong potential for establishing itself as an international sports hub, and shined a spotlight on the work that needs to be done if it hopes to succeed. At one, record crowds thronged the 135-year-old Hong Kong Golf Club to watch Sergio Garcia win the LIV Golf individual title and lead Fireballs to team victory. It will be all the more impressive should the tournament be made an annual event. Rosanna Law... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3302486/dream-hong-kong-sports-and-pleasure-hub-rests-use-common-sense?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3302486/dream-hong-kong-sports-and-pleasure-hub-rests-use-common-sense?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:15:07 +0000 Snooker’s leading lights jetted out of Hong Kong on Monday united in their praise for its hosting of the World Grand Prix, and expressing hope that they had inspired the local stars of tomorrow. Losing finalist Stuart Bingham challenged aspiring cueists to become the next Marco Fu Ka-chun or Ng On-yee as he reviewed a “top-class” tournament after it concluded late on Sunday with Neil Robertson claiming the title. “Hopefully it can encourage younger players,” Bingham said. “I went to the [Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3301841/world-grand-prix-snooker-hong-kong-tipped-inspire-next-marco-fu-or-ng-yee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3301841/world-grand-prix-snooker-hong-kong-tipped-inspire-next-marco-fu-or-ng-yee?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:37:03 +0000 Neil Robertson achieved the rare distinction of a whitewash in a competitive snooker final by routing Stuart Bingham 10-0 at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong on Sunday. The Australian was almost apologetic afterwards as he paid tribute to his defeated opponent, who retained enough of a sense of humour to grab the trophy from him and briefly hoist it aloft, to cheers from fans at the newly opened Kai Tak Arena. Bingham had contributed amply to a feast of snooker over the course of six days, but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3301668/world-grand-prix-snooker-hong-kong-bingham-and-robertson-meet-kai-tak-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3301668/world-grand-prix-snooker-hong-kong-bingham-and-robertson-meet-kai-tak-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Mar 2025 06:08:35 +0000 Marco Fu Ka-chun made his entrance at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong on Saturday, but afterwards raised the possibility of soon ending his 27-year professional snooker career. Fu, who played Jimmy White in an exhibition curtain-raiser for the semi-finals at Kai Tak Arena, said he would weigh up his options following the World Championship in England in April and May. At No 71 in the world, the Hongkonger is seven places outside the top-64 spot needed to retain the two-year World Snooker Tour... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3301650/world-grand-prix-snooker-hong-kong-marco-fu-set-decide-future-after-crucible-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3301650/world-grand-prix-snooker-hong-kong-marco-fu-set-decide-future-after-crucible-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Mar 2025 02:00:31 +0000