With “The Cyclone’s” victory demonstrating China's growing power in the sport, chair of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) Jason Ferguson insists that snooker’s inclusion in the Olympic programme is now realistic.

Zhao Xintong has revealed that he continued to practice four times per week when he was serving his suspension for violating betting and match-fixing rules. The World Snooker Championship winner was sidelined for 20 months after being caught up in the 2023 scandal along with nine other Chinese players.

Zhao Xintong made history on Monday by becoming the first Asian world champion in snooker, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final at the Crucible. His triumph, however, has been overshadowed by controversy regarding his eligibility to compete.