Zhao Xintong advises snooker stars to do complete opposite of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump
Zhao Xintong became the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship with his 18-12 victory over Mark Williams last week - and has now urged players to move to the UK
Zhao Xintong is the current World Snooker champion
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Zhao Xintong has encouraged young snooker talents in Hong Kong to consider relocating to the UK. The champion himself made a similar move from Shenzhen to Sheffield during his teenage years, and believes it could be beneficial for other rising stars.
This viewpoint contrasts with that of former world champions Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan, both of whom have expressed interest in establishing their main residences outside the UK.
Zhao recently made history as the first Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship. Following his 18-12 victory over Mark Williams, Zhao secured the third ranking title of his career.
The 28-year-old also triumphed over snooker legend O'Sullivan in the semi-finals. However, Zhao's opinion on the ideal location for top players differs from that of the seven-time world champion, who was granted residency in Hong Kong last year.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post, Zhao said: "I feel that in the UK, the level of training is better because the players here are more skilled and it helps to raise your standard.
"On the mainland, for example, the level isn't that high, and the level of competition is also not that high, so your motivation won't be as strong. If you really want to play professionally, it's definitely better to train in the UK."
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Zhao Xintong has urged snooker talents to live in the UK
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When asked what advice he would give to aspiring snooker players, Zhao added: "Focus on your training and believe in yourself. If you have the opportunity, going to the UK is obviously the best."
The Chinese snooker star sharpened his skills at Victoria's Snooker Academy, which wasn't far from the Crucible where he claimed his title. He is among several Chinese stars calling Sheffield home, unlike some fellow talented players.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute serves as a hub for many of its talent, with 24 top-level players receiving a monthly stipend from £1,200 (HK$12,480) to £5,200 (HK$54,150), depending on how well they perform. O'Sullivan, on the other hand, is at the opposite end of his career to China and Hong Kong's fledgling stars and is taking the opposite approach to the advice dished out by Zhao.
Last year saw the 49-year-old embrace Hong Kong residency, given his extensive business engagements across Asia.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is splitting his time between two countries
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"I probably do about 70 per cent of my work in China and Asia now, so I have to make a life here, I have to make a home," he told TNT Sports, recognising the need for comfort when staying abroad.
He added: "Obviously snooker is very popular here as well. Obviously, like myself, someone travelling from another country, the tax is also a good thing. But your food, your culture, it's a great place to live, a great place to be. If you want to live a life, a good life, you should come to Hong Kong."
O'Sullivan had indicated plans for a dual-residence setup during the world championship, revealing ambitions to establish his base in the Middle East in the near term.
"I think I am going to be moving out of the UK this year," he said. "I'll be moving away to the Middle East. We'll see how it goes - I might be back in six months. A new life somewhere else. I don't know how that is going to pan out."
Judd Trump is also relocating out of the UK
(Image: Tai Chengzhe/VCG via Getty Images )
Like O'Sullivan, former world champion Trump has taken a similar stance on relocation, albeit with differing views from Zhao on the best place for snooker's elite. Trump is planning a split residence between Hong Kong and Dubai.
In January 2025, it was announced that the snooker ace intended to settle down in Hong Kong with his partner Maisy Ma, who works as a TV presenter and is an ex-figure skater. Additionally, Trump spends the bulk of his time living in Dubai, where he has already established residency.
Commenting on his fondness for Hong Kong, Trump said: "Everything really. The food, the environment, the buildings, everything there is so special. In the middle of everything it is the hustle and bustle, then you drive 15 minutes and you have the beaches, you have the weather. It is such a nice place."
Speaking about his dual residency situation with the Metro, Trump added: "My main base will be in Dubai, but my girlfriend lives in Hong Kong. I have residence in both Dubai and Hong Kong, so I'll be split between them depending on where the tournaments are.
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"It's very different, completely different from what I'm used to. I'm used to my old life of just going to practice and then sitting at home all night, every day.
"I wouldn't have expected this, but my life has really changed for the better. I am able to enjoy myself a bit more off the table. It is nice to be living in a warmer climate and being able to experience that and the different cultures. I am in a good place off the table, and that is why I have been consistent over the past five or six years."
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