The World Snooker Tour is making its way back to China for the inaugural Xi’an Grand Prix, which is the second ranking event of the 2024/25 season. With players like Judd Trump looking to continue their success after a dominant victory at the Shanghai Masters last month, snooker is gaining popularity in China. The country first hosted a ranking event 34 years ago, with Stephen Hendry claiming victory over Dennis Taylor in the final of the Asian Open in Guangzhou in November 1990. Since then, the sport has continued to grow in popularity, with major events like the Wuhan Open, International Championship, and World Open still to come in China this season.
Despite the presence of legends like Steve Davis and John Higgins in early tournaments in China, it was not until 1999 that the next ranking event was held in the country. Higgins secured a 9-3 victory over Billy Snaddon in Shanghai, marking the beginning of China becoming a powerhouse in the world of snooker. The first Chinese player to win a ranking title was Ding Junhui, who defeated Hendry 9-5 in the China Open final in April 2005. This historic win was watched by a television audience of 110 million, showcasing the growing interest in snooker in China.
Many of the greatest players in modern snooker have claimed trophies in China, including Kyren Wilson, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson, and Mark Selby. Selby, in particular, has had great success in China, winning seven times from 11 final appearances between 2011 and 2018. O’Sullivan, with a record 41 ranking event wins, has also enjoyed success in China, claiming four titles including a 9-2 victory over Stephen Lee in the China Open final in December 1999. The elite Shanghai Masters has also been a tournament where O’Sullivan has excelled, further solidifying his place as a dominant force in the sport.
As the Xi’an Grand Prix kicks off, players like Judd Trump will be looking to build on their recent successes and make their mark in China. With the popularity of snooker continuing to grow in the country, events like the Wuhan Open, International Championship, and World Open are set to attract large audiences and showcase the talent of players from around the world. The legacy of players like Hendry, Higgins, and Ding Junhui has paved the way for the current generation of snooker stars to shine on the global stage, with China playing a key role as a hub for major tournaments and a growing fan base for the sport.
