Group 1 - Zhao Xintong, a 28-year-old Chinese snooker player, reached the semifinals of the 2025 Shanghai Masters but lost to UK player Kyren Wilson with a score of 5-10 [1][3] - Zhao Xintong gained significant attention after winning the 2025 World Snooker Championship, becoming the first Chinese and Asian player to achieve this feat, which has led to increased interest from fans and sponsors [3][4] - The commercial potential of Zhao Xintong is being compared to other Chinese sports figures, as he is seen as a candidate for becoming a leading figure in sports with both athletic and commercial success [3][8] Group 2 - Zhao Xintong's rise in the snooker world follows a period of controversy, including a 20-month suspension due to gambling-related issues, which he has since overcome to achieve new career heights [4][8] - Despite his recent success, Zhao Xintong's sponsorship deals remain modest, with his main sponsor being a lesser-known brand, indicating room for growth in his commercial partnerships [9][12] - The snooker industry in China faces challenges such as high training costs for players, which average around 300,000 RMB annually, and relatively low prize money compared to other sports like tennis [13]