Snooker’s Balance of Power Tilts as China Emerges as a Force to be Reckoned With
The 2025 World Snooker Championship has got off to a thrilling start, with a major upset on the opening day as Kyren Wilson, the reigning champion, was defeated by Chinese sensation Lei Peifan. This shock loss has significant implications for the tournament and the sport as a whole, with many believing that this could be the year China finally crowns its first champion of the world.
According to a report by The Guardian, Wilson’s defence of his title came to a shuddering halt at the hands of Lei, who produced a magnificent comeback victory. Lei, ranked 39 in the world, trailed 6-3 after the opening session but won six successive frames to move to the verge of victory. Wilson staged a late rally, but Lei held his nerve to deliver a break of 66 and close out one of the biggest shocks in the Crucible’s recent history.
This result ensures that the Crucible curse, which has seen no first-time winner of the event go on to successfully defend the title since 1977, will continue for at least another year. However, it also raises hopes that Chinese snooker may be on the verge of a breakthrough. As The Guardian notes, "the hopes of a nation have largely rested on the shoulders of Ding Junhui for quite some time, and when 10 Chinese players were suspended as part of a match-fixing investigation in 2023, it left the sport under a dark cloud."
However, a record 10 players from China have qualified for this year’s tournament, almost a third of the draw. This includes Xiao Guodong, who led Matthew Selt 7-2 after their opening session, and Zhao Xintong, who has returned to the amateur tour since the expiration of his 20-month suspension for his part in the match-fixing scandal. Zhao has been tipped for stardom from a young age and has made a maximum break and come through qualifying to reach the Crucible.
Many within the sport believe that Zhao is best placed to become China’s first world champion, including the great Stephen Hendry. As The Guardian reports, "What the achievement of a Chinese world champion could bring to snooker comes with great intrigue. The Crucible was a marvellous sight on Saturday; the history seeps from the walls and the surrounding areas are a hive of activity. Few sports are as synonymous with one city quite like Sheffield is with snooker."
The implications of a Chinese player winning the tournament are significant, with the potential to attract a huge audience in China. As The Guardian notes, "with the tournament’s current deal up in 2027, should a Chinese player finally win the game’s biggest prize over the coming fortnight, who knows where it could lead, with the tournament watched by as many as 200 million people in China."
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Lei and the other Chinese players in action at the Crucible. Will Lei’s victory be a statement moment for Chinese snooker, or will one of the other players emerge as the force to be reckoned with? One thing is certain, the balance of power in snooker is shifting, and China is emerging as a major force to be reckoned with.
In related news, The Guardian had previously reported on Kyren Wilson’s chances of defending his title, with Wilson stating that "it’s not just me that’s world champion, it’s my whole family". However, it seems that Wilson’s title defence has come to an end, and the spotlight is now on the Chinese players to see if they can make history.
The 2025 World Snooker Championship continues on Sunday, with many exciting matches lined up. Will we see a Chinese player emerge victorious, or will one of the other top players take home the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain, this year’s tournament has already provided some thrilling moments, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting competition.
Lei Peifan’s victory over Kyren Wilson marked a significant upset, with The Guardian reporting that "Lei Peifan produced a huge upset on the first day of the world championship when he defeated Kyren Wilson 10-9." This result has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament, with many top players already facing challenges from the lower-ranked opponents.
Zhao Xintong, who begins against last year’s finalist, Jak Jones, will now meet Lei in the last 16 if he navigates that task. As The Guardian quotes, many believe Zhao has what it takes to become China’s first world champion.
As the competition heats up, fans and pundits alike will be watching with bated breath to see if a Chinese player can take home the coveted title. The 2025 World Snooker Championship has got off to a thrilling start, and it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge victorious.
