Xiao Guodong leads Chinese charge as snooker’s balance of power tilts

Xiao’s fine start against Matthew Selt serves notice of China’s strong presence at the Crucible this yearThere are few sports as synonymous with one place as snooker is with Sheffield. For two weeks every year, this city becomes the beating heart of the sport, with supporters from across the globe descending upon South Yorkshire – but this year there is a distinct feel of significant change on the horizon.That is not to suggest that the future of the World Snooker Championship