**Division Emerges Over Snooker’s Place in Olympics After Zhao Xintong’s Historic Triumph**
Debate is intensifying within the snooker community after Zhao Xintong’s landmark victory at the World Snooker Championship, with leading figures taking sides over whether the sport belongs on the Olympic stage. Zhao’s emphatic triumph at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre not only stunned fans but has also reinvigorated the conversation about snooker’s future on the global sporting calendar.
Zhao, 28, delivered a commanding 18-12 win over seasoned champion Mark Williams in this year’s final, becoming the first Asian player ever to clinch the prestigious title. His breakthrough has inspired new optimism among advocates for snooker’s Olympic ambitions, with World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) chairman Jason Ferguson openly declaring his hope to see the sport represented at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Ferguson made his aspirations clear: “Realistically, Australia is a target. We’re negotiating with all the relevant multi-sport authorities. There are political factors to navigate, but snooker’s scale—especially in China—cannot be ignored by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Someone has to recognise that now is snooker’s time.” His comments highlight the growing influence of Asian markets in the sport and the potential for snooker to attract a new international fanbase if given the Olympic spotlight.
Despite persistent lobbying, snooker has thus far failed to secure a place in any Olympic programme, missing out on inclusion for both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. Zhao’s victory, however, has provided fresh evidence of snooker’s reach beyond British shores, prompting renewed calls for its inclusion at sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and even Paralympics.
Ferguson went on to stress the need for greater institutional support at home, stating: “We want to see snooker treated as a major Olympic sport in this country, to enjoy parity with others. While we do have Sport England recognition, it’s clear the sport must be viewed in the same light as more established Olympic disciplines for the next step to be taken.”
Against this backdrop of optimism, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan remains sceptical about the sport’s Olympic credentials. The multiple-time world champion’s comments from a previous Olympic bid campaign have resurfaced. He questioned whether Olympic gold would ever hold greater meaning than traditional snooker titles, suggesting that for most players, tournaments such as the World Championship or the Masters would always be the sport’s ultimate prize.
“At the Olympics, athletes dedicate four years of preparation to reaching their peak for that one event. That intense focus defines their careers,” O’Sullivan remarked in 2015 when snooker was being considered for Tokyo. “I’m not convinced snooker players would approach the Olympics with the same mindset. For us, being world champion remains the pinnacle.”
It’s unclear whether O’Sullivan’s views have softened in recent years, yet his position adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussion. Many in the sporting world see Olympic recognition as a unique chance for snooker to attract investment and new fans, yet traditionalists argue that the sport’s heritage and established tournaments already provide all the prestige players seek.
O’Sullivan’s own campaign for an eighth world title was halted in dramatic fashion by Zhao’s remarkable performance during the semi-finals, highlighting the shifting landscape of international snooker. Zhao’s success has been celebrated across Asia and has sparked fresh excitement about the game’s global potential.
As the debate continues, attention now turns to whether snooker’s growing international popularity and its new generation of champions can persuade the Olympics to open its doors. Whatever happens next, Zhao Xintong’s breakthrough win may well prove to be a watershed moment for both his career and the sport’s future ambitions.
With vested interests and traditional values on both sides, snooker finds itself at a crossroads, eager to build on global momentum but also mindful of what has made the sport so cherished for generations. The coming years could be decisive in shaping the future not just for snooker’s biggest stars, but for the generations of players—and fans—who hope to see it shine on sport’s grandest stage.