Research on the Differentiated Development Path of Billiards in China

This study focuses on the differentiated development paths of Chinese eight-ball and snooker in China, which run in parallel. Through analysis, it is found that cultural genes and policy guidance constitute the core driving forces: Chinese eight-ball, relying on the simplification of local rules and the popularization of domestic equipment, has established a “low threshold, wide participation” mass-oriented downward model. Its community events and short-video marketing have effectively activated the markets in third- and fourth-tier cities and resonated with the night market economy of billiard halls in Xinjiang. Snooker, on the other hand, has shaped a high-end competitive image by virtue of its professional competition system and the “Ding Junhui model”, and its internationalization path is similar to that of the Wuhan Open Tennis Tournament. In terms of commercialization, Chinese eight-ball has formed a regional closed-loop ecosystem of “culture and tourism + local sponsorship”, while snooker relies on international brand cooperation but faces the challenge of an aging audience. Policy differences have exacerbated the differentiation: Chinese eight-ball benefits from the national fitness policy, while snooker receives resource inclination under the “Olympic Glory” strategy. The study reveals structural contradictions faced by both types of sports, such as the professionalization gap and rule export obstacles of Chinese eight-ball, and the elite isolation and youth training disconnection of snooker. Therefore, a “dual-track synergy” strategy is proposed: Chinese eight-ball needs to strengthen the industry-university-research mechanism, and snooker should promote the “mini table” inclusive design. At the policy level, it is suggested to establish a tiered development fund to promote venue sharing and rule mutual recognition. This study provides a theoretical reference for balancing local characteristics and international standards and has practical significance for optimizing the billiards sports ecosystem.