Si Jiahui
Si Jiahui’s magnificent performance at the 2023 World Snooker Championship was a source of energy for me during those days. Even though he suffered from one of the greatest comeback in Snooker history against Luca Brecel in the semi-final, his sniper-like potting style, his braveness, and his energetic youthness made a huge impact on me. It was pure happiness and joy. To be honest, I am not a fan of great comebacks in sports, and I always believe there is a certain threshold to call a game settled. Such as 100 imps behind in a bridge knockout game before the last session, or PSG’s four-goal lead in the CL against Barcelona. I feel that there should be a sense of respect or composure to not try turning the wave around after passing a certain point. But the cruel yet fascinating truth is that, sports, and life, is all about fantastic unbelievable comebacks. Players all know that they should treat it as an even game and give their best until the final score is ended for sure.
At that time I was eager to read more about him and to share the stories, so I translated an old news from Hangzhou and post it on reddit. Life is a long game with endless loses and comebacks. Or perhaps, it’s not judged in quantifiable results. Anyway, I wish Jiahui be in top 16 soon.
Please enjoy his story.
Si Jiahui’s childhood story
Originally posted here
Jiahui was born in 2002 at Dongbaihu county, Zhuji city, Zhejiang province. His family moved to Hangzhou (Zhejiang’s capital), where he grew up. He showed some sports talent in elementary school, “he won second-place in school’s Ping Pong tournament,” quote his father Si Peijun, “his coach said if he had started Ping Pong earlier, he would have achieved something huge.”
At Jiahui’s 4th grade, his father opened a small pool club where people play Chinese 8-ball. Jiahui became obsessed with the game. Si took bus everyday afterschool to the club to play pool.
Once his father set up a game between Jiahui and one of the club’s regular player, Jiahui beat him easily, and after 3 months practice, he was able to beat everyone in the club.
Later that summer, Jiahui’s father took him to a training camp to start learning snooker systematically. After half a month, Jiahui finished runner-up in a east China regional elementary school 9-ball tournament.
During that tournament, the Jiahui and Peijun encountered father from Ningbo (Zhejiang), who claimed that his son already quitted school and started practicing snooker in Guangdong province. Later back home, Jiahui told his father that he wanted to quit school and become professional snooker player.
His parents were shocked. They believed in Jiahui’s talent, but they never thought he should quit school. “I turned him down at least 3 times,” says Peijun, “but he was really persistent and self-determined.”
After consulting with professional snooker coaches, they family finally decided to accompany Jiahui to Guangdong to learn snooker in September, 2013.
Being asked why he chose snooker instead of other pool varieties, Jiahui said:” it’s because of Ronnie O’Sullivan, his game is so smooth and beautiful, and I dream to play at that stage one day.”
In Guangdong, Jiahui practiced snooker 8-10 hours per day. He only rested half a day every week, and went to movies with his father to relax.
He trained very hard, having sore arms all the time. His father would help him as much as he could. Sometimes Jiahui could not fall asleep at night, so he just got up and kept potting balls.
The reporter asked if he had ever considered giving up, Jiahui answered:” there was a time when I had a run of bad form and kept losing, I did consider giving up.” Eventually his parents’ encouragement helped him get through the difficult time.
In June, 2019, Jiahui flew to UK for Q-school. Beyond their expectation, Jiahui won a two-year tour card. He became the first professional snooker player from Zhejiang and started to practice in UK.
Living abroad alone was not easy for Jiahui. His left eye had an allergy and had to had a small surgery. The food was another issue, he usually took takeouts and he lost a lot of weights. Being 1.86m (6’1’’), his weight dropped from 81kg (178lb) to 63kg (139lb) at that time.
However, Jiahui embraced the challenge. He told reporter: “Eye problem is no big deal. As for food, takeouts are not tasty, but his roommate cooks nice food.”
According to Jiahui’s father, China’s snooker population is growing rapidly, and many families are considering letting their kids play professionally. He admits that it was a extremely tough road to come through, Jiahui’s talent and determination were essential to his success, and he advices other family to think twice before making the decision.