Will Zhao v Ding draw the biggest TV audience in snooker history?

The upcoming World Championship clash between Zhao Xintong and Ding Junhui could set a new record for snooker’s largest television audience. Though not featuring Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, or Judd Trump, this match between China’s trailblazer and its first world champion has sparked significant anticipation.

China’s Snooker Phenomenon

Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), highlighted the match’s potential. “It’s a major showdown and might eclipse all previous records. Hundreds of millions could be watching in China,” he noted, emphasizing the sport’s rapid rise in popularity there.

“It could be the highest [television audience], we just keep on breaking records with snooker, it just keeps growing. Since Zhao Xintong won [the world title], snooker has continued to grow and recently we went to the number one sport watched on state media, China Central TV.”

Zhao’s victory over Mark Williams in the 2025 final marked a turning point. The 18-12 win not only secured his place as China’s first world champion but also ignited a wave of interest among young players. Tournament figures revealed that over 24.5 million unique viewers tuned in for a single session, with the entire event drawing 180 million on CCTV5.

The event’s social media reach was equally staggering, generating 1.5 billion impressions across platforms. Zhao reflected on the cultural shift, noting: “When I go to China, I’m famous now. People want to take pictures of me. It’s amazing—before, it was older fans, but now it’s their kids.”

A Historic Final

Last year, Zhao’s journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable. After qualifying through four rounds, he defeated Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, and Chris Wakelin before dismantling Ronnie O’Sullivan 17-7. His triumph over Williams in the final solidified his status as a national icon, inspiring a new generation of snooker enthusiasts.

“He is not paying any attention to this stupid ‘curse’. Other Chinese players have got a huge lift from seeing their countryman lift the trophy.”

Despite the so-called ‘Crucible Curse’—a trend where first-time winners often fail to retain their titles—Zhao showed no signs of faltering. His 10-7 first-round victory over Liam Highfield signaled confidence in his ability to defend his crown. Stephen Hendry, a seven-time world champion, echoed this sentiment: “I think Xintong can retain his title. He’s the future of the game for the next 10-15 years—he’s going to dominate.”

Growing Stars in China

This year, China’s representation at the Crucible hit an all-time high, with 11 players qualifying—up from 10 in 2025. Four of them have already advanced to the last 16, including five seeded players: Xiao Guodong, Wu Yize, Ding Junhui, Zhao Xintong, and Si Jiahui.

Ding Junhui, 39, praised Zhao’s influence: “He’s a big star in China. He’s young and part of a new generation who see him as their hero. He’s a nice guy, always smiling, and his style has evolved significantly.” Both players have made Sheffield their UK base, with Ding operating a snooker academy that trains many top Chinese talents.

Zhao, 29, added: “Sheffield is my second home. I miss it when I’m back in China and can’t wait to return.” He also expressed pride in the World Championship’s enduring presence at the Crucible, a venue he views as central to the sport’s legacy.

Ding Junhui won the first of his titles in 2005, becoming a pioneer for Chinese snooker. Now, as Zhao aims to follow in his footsteps, the stage is set for a historic showdown that could redefine the sport’s global reach.