Barry Hearn has revealed that China is ready to spend vast sums of money to take the World Snooker Championship from The Crucible Theatre. The historic venue’s continued hosting of the tournament is under threat due to the growing interest in the sport.

Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship with a victory over Welshman and three-times winner Mark Williams at the Crucible Theatre on Monday, the latest chapter in Zhao’s remarkable rise and fall story.

Fresh off becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship, Zhao Xintong is eyeing more titles, hoping his continued success will inspire a new wave of talent in China.