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Snooker's Olympic Push Gets a Jolt From China's Back-to-Back
World officials say China’s latest title run strengthens the sport’s case for Olympic inclusion as the IOC reviews the 2032 program.
On Monday, Yize defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 in the World Snooker Championship final in Sheffield, becoming China's second consecutive world champion and strengthening the sport's Olympic bid.
Following unsuccessful bids for the 2021 and 2024 Games, snooker officials are now targeting the 2032 Brisbane Games to regain Olympic status after decades away from the program.
China has around 300,000 recognized snooker clubs and provided 11 of the 32 players in the recent world championship draw. Globally, nearly 100 countries now maintain national infrastructure for the sport.
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson said the IOC "definitely has got eyes on our sport." He emphasized China's heavy investment in sports makes it pivotal for Olympic success.
The IOC will likely finalize the 2032 program by next spring, coinciding with the next World Snooker Championship. The WPBSA is also working on applications to add snooker to the Paralympics.