Interest in snooker is growing all around the world. If you’re into this sport too, place a bet and check out the latest snooker news. It’s a real test of strategy, patience, skill, and nerves of steel. Imagine chess, but with cues and balls. Now add drama, millions of viewers, and sudden twists of fate. That’s snooker for you. And today, it’s the center of attention in every major sports media outlet around the world. Why? Because something historic just happened — Zhao Xintong, a Chinese amateur player, became the world snooker champion. For the first time in history — both for China and the global snooker scene. It’s like a second division football team winning the World Cup. Unbelievable — and yet, it just happened.
What is snooker and why is it worth talking about?
Snooker is a more complex and intriguing form of billiards. It’s played on a large table with 22 balls: 15 red ones, 6 colored, and one white cue ball. The goal is to score more points by potting the balls in a specific order according to strict rules. It’s not just about “hit and hope” — it’s about calculation, logic, control, and precision. One mistake, and you could hand over your entire advantage to your opponent. Unlike casual pub pool, snooker is a sport for the patient and extremely focused. Sometimes a single frame (that’s what a round is called) can last nearly an hour. But that’s exactly what draws in fans — the tension builds slowly but inevitably.
Who is Zhao Xintong and why is his win such a sensation?
Zhao Xintong is a young Chinese player who, not long ago, was seen as “promising” but nothing more. Yes, he had talent, but many believed he lacked the discipline and experience to go all the way. On top of that, at the start of the championship, he wasn’t even part of the professional tour. He had been suspended due to a scandal and was playing as an amateur — meaning, essentially, an unofficial player.
Nevertheless, he fought his way into the World Championship, beat several top-level opponents, and defeated one of the tournament favorites — England’s Mark Selby — in the final. The match ended 18–15 in Zhao’s favor, and it was a true thriller. Zhao didn’t just play beautiful snooker — he showed composure, confidence, and style. This has never happened in snooker’s long history: the first champion from China. The first amateur at the very top. A victory that will inspire an entire generation of Asian players.
Why is China now the center of the snooker world?
Snooker has already been hugely popular in China for years. There are academies, tournaments, even government support. Many young Chinese athletes choose snooker as a life path. Until now, Chinese players had reached high stages of major tournaments, but never won the World Championship. That’s now changed. Zhao has become a national hero. Experts believe China is about to become the new powerhouse of snooker — like Brazil in football. The country already has millions of fans, and after this historic win, even more are sure to follow.
How are snooker bets different from other sports?
Snooker betting isn’t just about picking the winner. You have to understand the flow and rhythm of the game. A match can last 5 to 6 hours, and everything can change in a flash. Even if a player leads 10–5, it doesn’t guarantee victory. Snooker is full of emotional ups and downs — one shot can turn everything around.
Bookmakers offer bets on:
- Match winner
- Exact final score
- Winner of a specific frame
- Highest break (most points scored in one visit)
- Whether there will be a century (100+ points in one break)
Unlike football, where luck often plays a big role, snooker is all about skill and consistency. That’s why experienced bettors love it — you can win through analysis, not just luck.
Why is interest in snooker growing?
- High-quality broadcasts. HD visuals, close-up cameras, instant replays — it looks great.
- Charismatic players. Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Williams — each has their own unique style.
- Unpredictability. Even top players can lose to a newcomer. Snooker is a psychological battle.
- Globalization. Once a British niche, it’s now a worldwide phenomenon, especially in Asia.
- Betting opportunities. Snooker is becoming increasingly appealing to bettors: lots of options, high payouts, and real chances for those who analyze well.
What’s next?
Everyone’s now waiting to see if Zhao Xintong will be reinstated into the professional tour. After such a triumphant victory, it’s hard to imagine him being kept out of the game. And China is likely to be granted hosting rights for the World Championships in the near future. Snooker is no longer an elite British pastime. It’s a global sport where Asian amateurs can beat decorated British champions. And if you haven’t watched a match yet — now’s the time to tune in. Who knows, you might become a fan too. Maybe you’ll even place your first bet. But remember: just like in the game itself, patience, logic, and control are everything.
