Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 13 Week of 5 May 2025
(1) Zhao Xintong beats Mark Williams to become China’s first snooker world champion
Zhao Xintong’s historic victory at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, making him the first Chinese world champion in snooker, marks a pivotal moment for the sport.
(2) World Cup 2026: Trump vows ‘seamless’ travel for foreign fans amid US border fears
President Donald Trump assured that fans from around the world will be welcomed at the 2026 World Cup, despite concerns over immigration policies, and expressed confidence in a seamless experience for visitors.
(3) Hong Kong fighter Chong chases late bout fee, as promoter threatens legal action
Muay Thai fighter Emily Chong says she and others owed tens of thousands of dollars. Promoter Space One says it is owed money by partners.
(4) Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket
Rohit Sharma has retired from Test cricket but will continue in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with the cricket board set to appoint a new Test captain ahead of the England tour.
(5) Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old sensation with cricket world at his feet
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricketer for the Rajasthan Royals, became famous for scoring a rapid century in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
(1) Zhao Xintong beats Mark Williams to become China’s first snooker world champion
(Photo Credit: The Guardian)
The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield has witnessed many historic moments in snooker, but Zhao Xintong’s recent victory has the potential to transform how the sport is perceived globally, especially in Asia, after beating Mark Williams 18-12. With over 300,000 snooker halls in China and a massive audience, Zhao’s win marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first Chinese world champion. This victory comes two decades after Ding Junhui’s success in the UK Championship ignited hope for the growth of snooker in China.
Zhao’s journey to the title began after a 20-month suspension related to a match-fixing scandal, although he did not directly throw any matches. Since his return, he has dominated the amateur circuit, winning an impressive 42 out of 44 games. In the final, he faced veteran Mark Williams and displayed remarkable confidence, winning both afternoon sessions and ultimately sealing the championship with a break of 87 in the final frame.
This triumph is not just a personal achievement for Zhao but a pivotal moment for Chinese snooker, inspiring future generations of players. Williams acknowledged Zhao’s potential to dominate the sport, indicating that this victory could open new doors for snooker in China and beyond. Zhao’s win is expected to resonate deeply in his home country and may usher in a new era for the sport.
News Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/05/zhao-xintong-beats-mark-williams-to-become-first-chinese-snooker-world-champion
(2) World Cup 2026: Trump vows ‘seamless’ travel for foreign fans amid US border fears
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
US President Donald Trump announced that fans from around the world will be welcomed at the 2026 World Cup, despite concerns about his administration’s strict border policies. Speaking at a White House briefing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump assured that visitors could expect a “seamless” experience while attending the tournament, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
Trump’s comments come amid predictions of a 5.1 per cent decline in foreign traveller arrivals to the US in 2025 due to stringent immigration policies and global political tensions. Vice-President J.D. Vance, who is also part of the World Cup task force, emphasised that while international visitors are encouraged to come, they must return home after the event. Infantino expressed confidence in the Trump administration’s ability to deliver a successful tournament, stating that the US is ready to welcome the world.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem noted that the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup would serve as a testing ground for the larger event, with plans to process travel documents and visa applications efficiently. Despite ongoing trade disputes, Trump expressed optimism about collaborating with Canada and Mexico, insisting that there is no tension between the countries as they prepare for the World Cup.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3309334/world-cup-2026-trump-vows-seamless-travel-foreign-fans-amid-us-border-fears?module=top_story&pgtype=section
(3) Hong Kong fighter Chong chases late bout fee, as promoter threatens legal action
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong Muay Thai fighter Emily Chong has publicly expressed concerns about not receiving her payment from the local promoter Space One Champions Event for a competition held in mainland China last November. Chong, along with six other athletes, claims they are owed tens of thousands of dollars, with the total amount reportedly exceeding HK$50,000. Despite multiple attempts to obtain her fee since November, Chong has not received any payment.
Space One’s founder, Joker Li Yiu-lun, initially declined to comment but later released a statement accusing their partners of failing to pay funds owed to them. The promoter apologised to the fighters and warned of potential legal action against those spreading misinformation. They also announced plans to take legal proceedings against their partners and report the situation to relevant authorities.
Chong, who has fought for Space One multiple times and received timely payments previously, stated that Li had promised to pay her one week after the fight but kept delaying the date. After failing to receive her payment by 1 May 2025, Chong took to social media to raise awareness about the issue, indicating she would continue to pursue the matter until resolved.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3308984/hong-kong-fighter-chong-chases-late-bout-fee-promoter-threatens-legal-action?module=AI_Recommended_for_you_In-house&pgtype=section
(4) Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket
(Photo Credit: RTHK)
India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the team’s upcoming tour of England, but he will continue to play in the 50-over format. In his Test career, Rohit scored 4,301 runs in 67 matches, including 12 centuries, and captained India in 24 Tests, achieving 12 wins.
In an Instagram post, the 38-year-old expressed his gratitude for the support he received over the years, stating it was an honour to represent India in Test matches. He previously stepped down from Twenty20 (T20) internationals alongside Virat Kohli after their World Cup victory last year and recently led India to an ODI Champions Trophy title.
With India set to begin a five-Test series in England from June to July, the cricket board announced that they would soon appoint a new Test captain to lead the team, marking a transition to the next generation. Rohit’s last Test appearance was against Australia in Melbourne last year, where India suffered a significant defeat.
News Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1803645-20250508.htm
(5) Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old sensation with cricket world at his feet
(Photo Credit: The Guardian)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricketer for the Rajasthan Royals, recently gained fame after scoring a remarkable century off just 35 balls in the IPL, making it the second-fastest century in the tournament’s history. His explosive performance, featuring 11 sixes, has captivated millions of fans in India. Following this achievement, Suryavanshi quickly became a household name, with his story being widely shared across media platforms and drawing attention from celebrities and politicians alike.
After his impressive century, Suryavanshi faced scrutiny, including a viral video questioning his age. He also experienced his first IPL dismissal, leading to media commentary and memes. Rajasthan coach Rahul Dravid urged a balanced perspective on the young player’s ups and downs.
Suryavanshi’s journey is marked by hard work and sacrifice. Raised in Bihar, his father sold farmland to fund his cricket training, while his mother supported him daily. Notably skilled in provincial and Under-19 cricket, he earned a contract with the Rajasthan Royals, highlighting his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.
News Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/02/vaibhav-suryavanshi-ipl-rajasthan-royals-cricket
