China's Zhao Xintong secured a historic victory on Friday, defeating seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 17-7 to become only the second Asian player to reach the World Snooker Championship final. The 28-year-old stunned fans at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre by dominating the second session with a flawless 8-0 run, capitalizing on O'Sullivan's uncharacteristic errors.
After a tense 4-4 split in Thursday's opening session, Zhao showcased precision and composure, leaving the 49-year-old English legend trailing. His triumph marks a remarkable comeback: Zhao returned to professional snooker in September 2023 following a 20-month suspension for betting violations and qualified for the tournament as an amateur.
A win in Sunday’s final would cement Zhao as the first Asian world champion, surpassing compatriot Ding Junhui’s 2016 runner-up finish. In the other semifinal, Wales’ Mark Williams rallied against England’s Judd Trump, tying their match 8-8 ahead of Saturday’s decisive session.
Zhao’s performance has electrified Asian sports fans, offering fresh momentum for snooker’s growth in the region. Analysts note his aggressive break-building and tactical maturity as key factors in his historic run.
