Zhao Xintong Leads Chinese Revolution as Record 28 Players Storm 2025/26 World Snooker Tour
The 2025/26 World Snooker Tour marks a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution, with a record 28 Chinese players joining the professional ranks. Leading this unprecedented surge is Zhao Xintong, who not only secured a two-year tour card through his stellar performances on the Q Tour but also made history by winning the 2025 World Snooker Championship as an amateur. His victory over Mark Williams in the final not only earned him a £500,000 prize but also elevated him to 11th in the world rankings, highlighting China’s rising prominence in the sport .
England maintains its position as the most represented nation on the tour, contributing 43 players to the 129-player field, which includes 67 from the UK and Ireland, 45 from Asia, and 11 from mainland Europe . The youngest player on the circuit is 14-year-old Polish prodigy Michał Szubarczyk, while the oldest is the legendary Jimmy White, who, at 63, continues to inspire with his enduring presence in the sport .
This season not only showcases a diverse and youthful talent pool but also signifies a transformative era for snooker, with China’s growing influence reshaping the global landscape of the game.
