Zhao Xintong completely disagrees with Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan's lifestyle decision

Zhao Xintong has encouraged budding snooker talents in Hong Kong to consider relocating to the UK. The reigning made the move from Shenzhen to Sheffield during his teenage years, and believes that similar steps could be beneficial for other rising stars.

This viewpoint contrasts with that of former champions Judd Trump and , who have both expressed interest in setting up bases outside the UK.

Zhao made history last week by , defeating Mark Williams 18-12 and securing the third ranking title of his career. The 28-year-old also triumphed over snooker legend O'Sullivan in the semi-finals.

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However, Zhao's opinion on the ideal location for top players differs from that of the seven-time champion, who was granted residency in Hong Kong last year.

Speaking to the South China Morning Post, Zhao said: "I feel that in the UK, the level of training is better because the players here are more skilled and it helps to raise your standard.

"On the mainland, for example, the level isn't that high, and the level of competition is also not that high, so your motivation won't be as strong. If you really want to play professionally, it's definitely better to train in the UK."

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring snooker players, Zhao added: "Focus on your training and believe in yourself. If you have the opportunity, going to the UK is obviously the best."

Zhao perfected his skills at Victoria's Snooker Academy in Sheffield, which is just around the corner from the Crucible, where he would go on to win the World Snooker Championship.

He is not alone in choosing the UK as his base. Several other Chinese players also call Sheffield home, straying from the trend of many of their fellow snooker stars who prefer to train at the Hong Kong Sports Institute.

The institute provides a monthly allowance of between £1,200 and £5,200 to its 24 elite players, based on their performance. However, seven-time world champion O'Sullivan has taken a different path, having been granted residency in Hong Kong last year.

He revealed that the majority of his work commitments are now in Asia, prompting him to make the city his home.

"I probably do about 70 per cent of my work in China and Asia now, so I have to make a life here, I have to make a home," O'Sullivan told TNT Sports.

He added: "Obviously snooker is very popular here as well. Obviously, like myself, someone travelling from another country, the tax is also a good thing. But your food, your culture, it's a great place to live, a great place to be. If you want to live a life, a good life, you should come to Hong Kong."

However, O'Sullivan has since announced plans to relocate to the Middle East, suggesting he will be splitting his time between his new home and Hong Kong.

"I think I am going to be moving out of the UK this year," he confessed. "I'll be moving away to the Middle East. We'll see how it goes - I might be back in six months. A new life somewhere else. I don't know how that is going to pan out."

Trump has his sights set on a different scene, unlike O'Sullivan and Zhao, as he opts to split his time between Hong Kong and Dubai.

It was revealed in January that Trump plans to set up one residence in Hong Kong with his partner Maisy Ma, a TV host and ex-figure skater.

Trump was very complimentary, as he said: "Everything really. The food, the environment, the buildings, everything there is so special. In the middle of everything it is the hustle and bustle, then you drive 15 minutes and you have the beaches, you have the weather. It is such a nice place."

Additionally, Trump enjoys staying in Dubai, which is where he claims he will be based most of the time. The snooker star previously said: "My main base will be in Dubai, but my girlfriend lives in Hong Kong.

"I have residence in both Dubai and Hong Kong, so I'll be split between them depending on where the tournaments are.

"It's very different, completely different from what I'm used to. I'm used to my old life of just going to practice and then sitting at home all night, every day.

"I wouldn't have expected this, but my life has really changed for the better. I am able to enjoy myself a bit more off the table. It is nice to be living in a warmer climate and being able to experience that and the different cultures. I am in a good place off the table, and that is why I have been consistent over the past five or six years."

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