People have been suggesting that China could be a dominant force in snooker for the last few years, especially after the emergence of Ding Junhui.
With the performances of the Chinese players in this weeks China Open those suggestions are starting to bear fruit. Players not even featuring on the main tour or the PIOS Tour have beaten professional opponents with good snooker and a massive following.
Tian Pengfei beat both David Gray and Marco Fu to set up this mornings match against John Higgins. Higgins was a step too far for the youngster and he did lose 5-2 but the previous performances were fantastic.
Xiao Guodong has already beaten Michael Holt and China’s number 1 – Ding Junhui – to set up a tie in the last 16 (this afternoon incidentally) with the World Number 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan. Again the professional on this occasion did pick up the win, but it was by no means easy with O’Sullivan winning 5-3.
How long before we see a Chinese World Champion? I am not sure especially when Ding has gone off the boil recently but I do expect to see one within the next 10 years. If China can keep producing the players with the right attitude and positive game plan then snooker could be dominated by them in the next 10 years and beyond.
I don’t think Britain will ever diminish it’s grip at a world level but the bar could very much come lower.
Let me know your thoughts.
Well, they are of course very good players. But it could be that there is no pressure on them as they are wildcards and not on the tour. Possibly?
Yes, there may well be an element of that Chris. For the first time (or I think it is the first time) they are also being awarded prize money. When Ding won the tournament as a wildcard a few years back he received nothing. Maybe the money incentive is also a big one? I would also add that perhaps being in front of a home crowd has raised their game.