China is home to some of the world’s best snooker players. Over the years, Chinese snooker players have achieved a great deal of success on the international scene, winning multiple world championships and snooker tournaments.
Some of the most famous and successful Chinese snooker players include Ding Junhui, Liang Wenbo, Yan Bingtao and Zhou Yuelong. These players have become household names in the snooker world, and are credited with helping to popularise the game in China.
We will be taking a look at the most successful snooker players to come out of China, and what makes them so successful.
1. Zhao Xintong
Zhao Xintong is a former professional snooker player from China. He rose to fame in the sport at a young age with several top players praising his potential.
Unfortunately, Zhao has recently been banned from professional competition for 20 months due to violations concerning snooker betting. This has put an end to his career as a professional snooker player, at least for the time being.
Nevertheless, Zhao still has plenty of admirers in the sport. Despite his ban, many people still remember his contributions to the game and believe that he could have gone on to become one of the greats of the sport had it not been for his unfortunate misstep.
It is also a reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules of the game, as any violation can have serious consequences.
2. Yan Bingtao
Yan Bingtao is a former professional snooker player from China. He has recently been embroiled in controversy after being handed a five-year ban from professional competition due to match-fixing offences.
This ban follows an investigation conducted by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) which found evidence of match-fixing, betting, and other related offences. Yan was found guilty of using his celebrity status to influence the outcome of matches for financial gain.
This includes placing bets on matches and attempting to influence the outcomes of matches by offering inducements to other players.
Additionally, he was found to have provided false information to the WPBSA relating to his involvement in the match-fixing scheme. The ban imposed on Yan is one of the most severe punishments to be handed out to a professional snooker player, and it serves as a reminder that the sport of snooker is serious business.
The WPBSA has stated that they will not tolerate any form of match-fixing or any other form of corruption, and they are committed to protecting the integrity of the sport.
This ban is a clear indication that they take this responsibility seriously. The ban on Yan has also been a huge blow to the sport of snooker as a whole. Yan was considered to be one of the best players in the world and his ban has left a gaping hole in the sport.
It is now up to the other players to step up and prove that they are worthy of competing at the highest level.
3. Ding Junhui
Ding Junhui is a renowned professional snooker player from China. He is celebrated for his immense success in the sport, making him the most successful Asian snooker player in history.
He has become an icon for the sport in Asia and is widely regarded as the greatest Asian snooker player to have ever lived. Throughout his career, Ding Junhui has won an impressive 14 major ranking titles.
This includes three UK Championships, which are considered to be the most prestigious snooker tournaments in the world.
His success in these tournaments has cemented his place as a major player in the sport, and his influence has helped to bring more attention to snooker in Asia. Ding Junhui’s success has also had a major impact on the snooker world in general.
He has inspired many other aspiring professional players to take up the sport and has also encouraged more people to watch and enjoy the game. His influence has extended beyond the game itself, and his legacy continues to live on in the snooker world.
4. Lyu Haotian
Lyu Haotian is a professional snooker player from the People’s Republic of China. He is most famous for being one of the youngest players to have ever played in a professional tournament, at only 14 years old.
In 2012, he achieved an impressive feat by reaching the quarter-finals of the International Championship, which was the record for the youngest player to make it to a ranking event.
This is a remarkable achievement, considering the difficulty of the sport and the age of the player. Even today, no other player has been able to beat his record. Lyu Haotian continues to be an inspiration to young snooker players all around the world.
5. Marco Fu
Marco Fu Ka-chun is a professional snooker player from Hong Kong who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport. He has won three major tournaments, the 2007 Grand Prix, the 2013 Australian Goldfields Open and the 2016 Scottish Open.
In addition, he has reached the finals of two of snooker’s Triple Crown events, the 2008 UK Championship and the 2011 Masters, although he did not win either of these.
Fu Ka-chun has also been awarded the Medal of Honour and Justice of Peace honours in recognition of his achievements in the sport. He is a highly successful and respected snooker player in Hong Kong and throughout the world.
6. Zhou Yuelong
Zhou Yuelong is a highly accomplished Chinese professional snooker player. He has achieved great success in the sport, clearly evidenced by his impressive list of rankings.
In January of 2020, he was a runner-up at the European Masters tournament and in 2020, he was the runner-up at the Snooker Shoot Out. Most recently, he was the runner-up at the Northern Ireland Open in 2022.
His consistent success in these prestigious tournaments speaks to his immense talent and dedication to the sport. He has proven his skill over and over again, making him a highly respected name within the snooker world.
His accomplishments have earned him the admiration of his peers and have put him in a position of great recognition.
Zhou Yuelong has certainly established himself as one of the best snooker players in the world, and his impressive list of ranking events show that he is well on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats.
He is an inspiration to aspiring snooker players and a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
7. Fan Zhengyi
Fan Zhengyi is an impressive young snooker player from China. He has achieved great success in his sport and has risen to prominence in the snooker world. In 2017, Fan Zhengyi won the IBSF World Under-21 Snooker Championship, an impressive feat for someone so young.
His victory in the tournament marked the beginning of his professional snooker career, as he turned professional in 2018. Since then, he has competed in various tournaments across the world and has established himself as one of the leading players in the sport.
His impressive performances and dedication to the game have earned him numerous accolades and recognition from the snooker community.
Fan Zhengyi is an inspiring figure for many young snooker players, and his achievements prove that with hard work and dedication, anyone can reach the heights of success.
8. Lu Ning
Lu Ning was a professional snooker player from the People’s Republic of China who enjoyed success in the game for a number of years.
However, in 2023 his career was brought to a sudden halt when he was banned from professional competition for five years and four months due to match-fixing offences.
The incident first came to light in December of 2022 when Lu Ning was suspended from the professional tour after an investigation into match-fixing allegations.
This suspension was made in anticipation of the eventual punishment that Lu would receive, and eventually the ban was put in place as a result of the investigation into his activities.
The ban was a harsh one for Lu Ning, and it effectively brought an end to his professional snooker career.
It serves as a reminder of the consequences for match-fixing, and it is a stark reminder that no matter one’s level of success, match-fixing is a serious offense that will not be tolerated in the sport of snooker.
9. Chang Bingyu
Chang Bingyu was a former professional snooker player from China. In 2023, he was handed a two-year ban from professional competition due to his participation in match-fixing offences. Prior to this ban, Chang was already under investigation for match-fixing.
In December 2022, he was suspended from the professional snooker tour while the investigation was ongoing.
The two-year ban effectively ended Chang’s professional snooker career, as the ban prohibited him from participating in any professional tournaments while the ban was in effect.
This was a major blow to the snooker community, as Chang was considered one of the best players in the world. Unfortunately, his involvement in match-fixing tarnished his reputation and ultimately led to his downfall.
Match-fixing is a serious crime that can have significant consequences for those involved. It is important for professional athletes to remember the importance of fair play in sports and the consequences that come with disregarding the rules.
Chang Bingyu’s two-year ban is a reminder of the severity of match-fixing and a cautionary tale to professional athletes everywhere.
10. Bai Yulu
Bai Yulu is an up and coming snooker player from China. She has achieved considerable success on the international stage, including becoming the World Junior Champion.
Her success has not only been noticed by her peers and snooker fans around the world but also by the Chinese government, which has recognized her as a symbol of the country’s growing success in the sport. Bai Yulu first began her snooker career at the age of 8.
She has since gone on to become a formidable competitor, having won several national and international titles. In 2019, she became the World Junior Champion, becoming the first Chinese player to ever win the title.
This recognition has only increased her popularity in her homeland, with people from all over the country cheering her on. Bai Yulu has also been praised for her hard work and dedication to the sport.
She has trained rigorously since a young age, and her hard work is evident in her performances. She has become a role model for many young Chinese snooker players, inspiring them to follow in her footsteps and reach their full potential.
Bai Yulu is an inspiring figure in the world of snooker. She has achieved great success at a young age and is a symbol of the potential that the sport has in China.
Her success is a testament to the hard work and dedication that she has put into her career, and she is sure to be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.
11. Zhang Anda
Zhang Anda is a Chinese professional snooker player who made his debut in the Main Tour during the 2009-10 season. He achieved this by winning the ACBS Asian Under-21 Championship.
Being only 5 feet 3 inches tall, Zhang Anda has been affectionately nicknamed “Mighty Mouse” by his fans and peers. Zhang Anda is a highly decorated snooker player, having won the China Open in 2017 and the China Championship in 2018.
He is also the first Chinese player to win a ranking event outside of Asia.
With his record-breaking achievements, Zhang Anda has become an inspiration for aspiring snooker players in China and around the world. Despite his small stature, Zhang Anda has shown that size is irrelevant.
He has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve success with hard work and dedication. His determination and drive have earned him the respect of his fellow professionals. Overall, Zhang Anda has proven himself to be an exceptional player in the snooker world.
His impressive record speaks for itself, and he will continue to be an inspiration for aspiring snooker players.
12. Zhang Jiankang
Zhang Jiankang is a former professional snooker player from China. He had a successful career on the professional tour, but in January 2023, he was suspended as part of a match-fixing investigation into ten Chinese players.
This investigation involved allegations that the players had been involved in rigging matches by pre-arranging outcomes and attempting to influence the outcome.
The suspension of Zhang Jiankang and the other players sent shockwaves throughout the snooker world and led to the introduction of more stringent monitoring measures and the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy towards match-fixing.
The investigation ultimately resulted in severe sanctions for those involved, including bans and fines.
Zhang Jiankang’s suspension effectively ended his professional snooker career, but the changes brought about by the scandal have ensured that the sport of snooker is now much cleaner and more fair than it was before.
13. Liang Wenbo
Liang Wenbo is a former professional snooker player from China. He achieved success in the sport, winning the World Cup in 2007 and the China Open in 2010.
However, in March 2021, it was announced that Liang had been permanently banned from competing in professional snooker tournaments due to his involvement in match-fixing.
The ban came after an investigation by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, which found that Liang had been involved in a scheme to fix the outcomes of certain matches.
This scandal caused a great deal of controversy in the snooker world, and Liang has yet to comment on the situation.
He now faces the possibility of being removed from the World Professional Snooker Association’s Hall of Fame, and his legacy as a professional snooker player has been tarnished.
14. Shi Chunxia
Shi Chunxia is a professional snooker player from China. She is one of the most successful female snooker players in the country and has achieved numerous impressive accomplishments in her career.
In 2013, she achieved her greatest success to date when she became the runner-up in the IBSF World Snooker Championship for Women.
This championship is one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport and the fact that Shi Chunxia was able to reach the runner-up position is a testament to her skill and dedication.
Her success in this competition has helped to establish her as a well-respected figure in the world of snooker.
15. Xiao Guodong
Xiao Guodong is a well-known Chinese professional snooker player. He achieved success in the snooker world in 2007 when he won the Asian Under-21 Championships.
This victory enabled him to make the transition to a professional career in snooker, and since then, he has enjoyed considerable success on the professional circuit. As a professional snooker player, Xiao Guodong has achieved a number of impressive accomplishments.
He was the runner-up in the 2008 China Open, and he also reached the quarterfinals of the 2011 Wuxi Classic.
Moreover, he has achieved a number of top-16 finishes in ranking tournaments, including the 2014 International Championship and the 2015 China Open. Overall, Xiao Guodong is a successful professional snooker player who has consistently performed at a high level since he turned professional in 2007.
He has achieved a number of impressive accomplishments and established himself as one of the top players on the professional snooker circuit.
16. Si Jiahui
Si Jiahui is a talented Chinese professional snooker player. He began his snooker career training at the Wiraka Billiard Academy in Foshan, China. At the age of 16, Si Jiahui moved to the United Kingdom to further his snooker career.
His commitment and dedication paid off when he earned a two-year tour card through Q School for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons. This is an impressive feat and is a testament to his talent and hard work.
With this passing success, Si Jiahui has become an inspiration to young snooker players all over the world, showing them that with dedication and perseverance, anything can be achieved.
17. Wu Yize
Wu Yize is a Chinese professional snooker player who has recently been celebrated for his impressive achievements. In May 2022, he was awarded the World Snooker Tour’s prestigious ‘Rookie of the Year’ title.
This accolade is given to the most promising newcomer to the sport, recognizing their skill and potential. Yize has quickly made a name for himself since entering the sport.
He has competed in a number of tournaments and achieved many impressive results, including several top 10 finishes. His determination and talent have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike.
Yize’s success is a great achievement for Chinese snooker and has given the sport a huge boost. His example gives hope to aspiring snooker players around the world that they too can reach the top.
He has inspired many to take up the game, and his success is sure to encourage many more. The ‘Rookie of the Year’ title recognizes Yize’s hard work and dedication and is a testament to his skill and potential as a snooker player.
His success is a source of pride not just for himself, but also for the Chinese snooker community.
18. Yu Delu
Yu Delu is an ex-professional snooker player from the People’s Republic of China. He was found guilty of match-fixing, and was subsequently issued a lengthy ban from the sport.
The ban was announced on December 1, 2018, and is set to last until February 24, 2029, a total of 10 years and 9 months. The decision to ban Yu Delu from the sport of snooker came after an extensive investigation into the allegations of match-fixing.
During this period, the Chinese snooker player was unable to participate in any professional or amateur snooker matches. The ban began on May 25, 2018, and was set to last until February 24, 2029.
The decision to ban Yu Delu from the sport of snooker has caused significant controversy in the world of snooker. Many have criticized the length of the ban, arguing that it is far too long, and that it unfairly punishes the player for his actions.
Others have argued that the ban is necessary in order to ensure that the sport of snooker remains fair and honest. Regardless of one’s opinion, the ban is set to remain in effect until February 24, 2029, which is when the player will be allowed to return to the sport of snooker.
19. Cao Yupeng
Cao Yupeng is a Chinese professional snooker player who has achieved great success in his career. He won the 2011 Asian Under-21 Championship, which automatically qualified him for the professional snooker main tour for the 2011-12 season.
During his first season on the main tour, Cao reached an impressive level of success, reaching the last 16 in the World Championship. This is a major feat for a first-time competitor and speaks to Cao’s talent and determination.
He is a rising star in the snooker world, and it will be interesting to see how far he can go in the coming years.
20. Li Hang
Li Hang was a professional snooker player from China who competed in the 2008-09 season. He achieved great success, reaching two semi-finals in ranking events. However, in 2023, Li Hang was permanently banned from the sport after being found guilty of match-fixing offences.
This means that Li Hang is not allowed to compete in any snooker tournaments that are regulated by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. Li Hang’s story serves as an example of the dangers of match-fixing in professional sport.
It is a reminder of the need to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure fairness for all players. Match-fixing is a serious offence and can have serious consequences.
It is important that all players understand the implications of such actions and that they are aware of the rules and regulations that govern professional sport.
21. Xu Si
Xu Si is a professional snooker player from China. He began his career in snooker in 2006 and has since become one of the top players in the sport. He has won multiple major tournaments, including the Asian Six Reds Championship in 2015 and the China Open in 2016.
Xu Si is also a member of the International Professional Players Association, which is a global organization that represents professional snooker players. He has become well known for his aggressive style of play, which has earned him many fans around the world.
Xu Si is an inspiration to many aspiring snooker players from his native China and beyond.
22. Lei Peifan
Lei Peifan is a former professional snooker player from China. He was born in 1964 and began playing snooker at a young age. As a professional snooker player, he had a successful career, winning many titles and accolades.
He competed in numerous tournaments, including the World Snooker Championship, and was even ranked as high as third in the world rankings. Peifan was known for his skill and technique, as well as his ability to read the game and make strategic decisions.
He also had an impressive record in the China Open, winning the event four times and reaching the quarterfinals on three other occasions. Peifan’s career in snooker ended in 2007 when he retired due to a back injury.
Since then, he has become an ambassador for the game, promoting the sport in his home country and abroad. He continues to be a respected figure in Chinese snooker, and his achievements and contributions to the game will never be forgotten.
23. Guo Hua
Guo Hua was an esteemed Chinese professional snooker player. He was widely known for his skillful technique and renowned for his ability to analyze the snooker table.
He was also highly respected by other professional players. Throughout his career, Guo Hua was one of the most decorated snooker players in China. He won a number of major tournaments, including the Asian Games in 1998 and the China Open in 2000.
He also represented his country in the World Snooker Championships held in London in 2000. Guo Hua’s greatest achievement was his undefeated streak at the China Open in 2000. He won every match he competed in, including the final against a renowned English player.
His victory was celebrated throughout the country and is still remembered to this day. Despite his success and popularity, Guo Hua retired from professional snooker in 2003. He has since become a coach and mentor to many aspiring snooker players.
His knowledge and expertise have helped numerous players to reach the highest levels of snooker. Guo Hua’s legacy in the world of professional snooker will never be forgotten. His skill, dedication, and achievements have made him one of the greatest snooker players of all time.
24. Liu Chuang
Liu Chuang is a renowned name in the world of snooker. He is a Chinese former professional snooker player who has made a huge impact on the sport. Born in 1983, Liu Chuang has been playing snooker since he was a teenager.
He has had a long and successful professional career in the sport, winning multiple world and national titles. He is considered one of the best players in the world and is known for his impressive technique and skill.
He has a large fan base in China and around the globe and has even been featured in documentaries about the sport. Liu Chuang is a living legend in the snooker community, and his legacy will continue for years to come.
25. Yuan Sijun
Yuan Sijun is one of the world’s top snooker players. He is from China and has established himself as a professional snooker player since his teenage years. At the age of 15, he became the youngest player ever to make it to the final of an amateur tournament.
Since then he has competed in many international tournaments, including the World Cup of Snooker, Six Red World Championship and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Championship. Yuan Sijun has won numerous titles, including the China Open in 2015 and the World Open in 2018.
He has also been ranked as high as sixth in the world rankings, making him one of the very best players from his country. He has become a role model for many aspiring snooker players from China and even around the world.
Yuan Sijun has also been featured in various magazines and newspapers and is a popular figure in the snooker world.
26. Chen Zhe
Chen Zhe is an accomplished snooker player from Shanxi, China. He achieved an impressive feat in 2012 when he won five matches at Q School, which earned him a two-year card to compete on the World Snooker Tour. This enabled him to participate in the 2012-13 season.
To further his career, Chen Zhe has decided to base himself in Romford, England during the season. Here he is able to practice with Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of the world’s most renowned snooker players.
This provides Chen Zhe with a great opportunity to hone his skills and gain invaluable experience.
27. Zhao Jianbo
Zhao Jianbo is a former professional snooker player from China. In January 2022, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) suspended Zhao from all World Snooker Tour events following an investigation into possible match-fixing.
After further investigation, the WPBSA charged Zhao with fixing a match. As a result, he is currently banned from professional competition and has been unable to compete in any professional snooker events since.
Match-fixing is a serious issue in professional sports, as it goes against the spirit of fair competition. It is seen as a form of cheating and can be seen as a form of corruption. The WPBSA takes such allegations seriously and has a zero-tolerance policy for match-fixing.
As a result, Zhao has been banned from professional competition and will not be able to compete until the ban is lifted. The allegations against Zhao Jianbo are a reminder that match-fixing is a serious issue in professional sports and must be taken seriously.
It is important that the WPBSA continues to investigate such cases and that those found guilty of match-fixing are held accountable. Match-fixing undermines the integrity of the game and must not be tolerated.
28. Li Yuan
Li Yuan is a former professional snooker player of Chinese origin. He has been playing snooker since his teenage years and has achieved great success in the game. He quickly rose to prominence in the sport and was one of the top players in the world.
He won numerous titles during his career, including a ranking event title in 1997. His career highlights also include runner-up finishes in the UK Championship and the Masters.
He has also represented his country in the World Snooker Championships and has been part of the Chinese national snooker team. His style of play has been described as aggressive yet controlled. He has also been credited with helping to popularize the game in his homeland.
Despite his retirement from the professional circuit in 2010, Li Yuan remains an important figure in the snooker world and is still a highly respected player.
Conclusion
The Chinese snooker scene is full of talented players, from Ding Junhui to Cao Yupeng, to Liang Wenbo, and many more. These players have achieved great success in the sport, and continue to impress fans and opponents alike.
As the sport continues to grow in popularity in China, we can expect to see even more amazing performances from the best snooker players in China.
