Chinese Star Matches Seven-Time Champion in Thrilling Showdown
China's snooker prodigy Zhao Xintong and England's legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan delivered a masterclass in tactical play on Thursday, ending their first semifinal session at the World Snooker Championship tied 4-4. The high-stakes clash at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre captivated fans worldwide as both players demonstrated why they rank among the sport's elite.
Zhao, competing in his first Crucible semifinal at 28, surged ahead with early breaks of 60 and 62. The 2021 UK Championship winner showcased the precision that's made him Asia's fastest-rising snooker talent, securing a 2-0 lead through calculated positional play.
O'Sullivan responded with characteristic flair, firing off breaks of 53, 67, and 91 across three consecutive frames. The 49-year-old's mid-session resurgence highlighted why he remains snooker's most watched player, combining aggressive shot-making with strategic safety play.
The pair traded frames in the closing stages, Zhao leveling the match with an 86-break in the eighth frame. 'This is exactly what the Crucible deserves – two players going toe-to-toe,' commented BBC Sport analyst Stephen Hendry during the broadcast.
In the championship's other semifinal, England's World No. 1 Judd Trump leads Wales' Mark Williams 5-3 after their opening session. The tournament continues through Saturday, with the final best-of-35 frames match determining this year's champion.
