Snooker isn’t just about green felt and colored balls anymore—it’s become a cultural powerhouse connecting continents, and China’s Ding Junhui is at the heart of this movement. 🌏 Jason Ferguson, chair of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, told CGTN this week that stars like Ding have transformed the sport into a "unique bridge" for global unity.
"Ding’s influence goes beyond trophies," Ferguson said, highlighting how the 39-year-old player has inspired millions in Asia and reshaped snooker’s international appeal. With over 120 countries now broadcasting tournaments, Ferguson credits China’s passion—sparked by Ding’s rise—for driving snooker’s explosive growth this decade.
📈 Fun fact: China hosted just 2 professional tournaments in 2005 when Ding turned pro. Fast-forward to 2026, and the Chinese mainland now stages 8 major events annually, drawing crowds bigger than some Premier League matches! ⚡
Young fans worldwide are taking notice. TikTok snooker tutorials tagged #DingStyle have racked up 890M views this year alone, while cross-border youth leagues are popping up from Jakarta to Johannesburg. As Ferguson put it: "When a kid in Shanghai and a teen in Sheffield bond over a perfect break shot, that’s how sports change the game."
