Expanding ecosystem

China currently has nearly 300,000 billiards clubs and an estimated 80-100 million enthusiasts nationwide, said Qiao Bing, vice-chairman of the Small and Medium Commercial Enterprises Association and president of the Billiards Industry Branch.

This massive grassroots base directly feeds the country's growing presence on the professional circuit. Over the past five years, junior participation in cue sports has surged, reflecting broader access to coaching and deepening of the nation's talent pool.

China has also become integral to the sport's competitive calendar. In 2005, the country hosted a single event, but now the scale and prize money of Chinese tournaments are redefining the professional game.

"Genius is everywhere, but we need the talent spotters more," said Xingpai Billiards general manager Gan Jialin.

Chinese cue sports have a well-established talent development system and training infrastructure that is world-leading.

"For Chinese snooker, this is only the beginning. In the years ahead, it will become increasingly common for Chinese players to win the World Championship and other major titles," Gan said.

Once a national training base for young talent, Dongguan has evolved into one of the country's snooker strongholds, combining player development, equipment manufacturing, and tournament operations in areas like Changping and Tangxia.

A cluster of billiards equipment manufacturers has formed a complete industrial chain covering table components, slate production, and cue manufacturing.

Institutional investment further strengthened the city's talent infrastructure. In 2022, the Guangdong branch of the CBSA WPBSA Academy was established in Changping to standardize player cultivation. The academy provides a direct route from youth training to professional competition.

Players emerging from this environment often arrive on tour with stronger fundamentals and greater composure. Zhao, Wu and women's world champion Bai Yulu all completed key stages of their development within this framework.

Related industries in event operations, broadcasting, refereeing and youth tournaments have continued to mature in the city.