Inexperienced player dominates at the World Snooker Championship.

"Ronnie O'Sullivan" could've just chillaxed in the crowd during the World Championship semi-final, not much would've changed. The English snooker legend was mostly a mute spectator in his match against Chinese player Zhao Xintong.

Humiliating Defeat

O'Sullivan barely got a shot at the table, and in the end, the seven-time world champion suffered one of the biggest ass-whopping defeats of his career with a 7:17 loss. The morning session even ended with a 0:8 drubbing. "He's been playing superbly throughout the tournament," said O'Sullivan.

Zhao Xintong is on a roll this World Championship at the prestigious Crucible Theatre in Sheffield and could make history in the final on Sunday and Monday: As the first Chinese snooker player to secure the coveted World Championship title.

Boom in China

Snooker is a massive hit in China. The World Championship in Sheffield is watched by a whopping 100 million people in China, and the rising stars around Zhao Xintong are increasingly overshadowing the veteran Brits. This year, ten Chinese players made it to the main draw of the top 32.

Finalist Zhao Xintong had to slog through qualifications. The 28-year-old was suspended for 14 months in summer 2023 due to his involvement in illegal match-fixing and continues to officially hold an amateur status. However, at this World Championship, the Chinese player ain't showing no amateurish moves at the snooker table.

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Zhao Xintong: A Brief Overview

Born in China, Zhao turned professional in 2016 and quickly rose to fame. He clinched his first Triple Crown and ranking title by winning the 2021 UK Championship, defeating Luca Brecel 10–5[5]. He added another ranking title with a rare 9–0 whitewash of Yan Bingtao at the 2022 German Masters[5]. His aggressive, high-speed play earned him comparisons to Ronnie O’Sullivan, who later hailed Zhao as a future "megastar"[1][5].

2025 World Championship: A Remarkable Run

In a career-changing comeback after a 20-month ban in 2023–2024 due to a betting scandal[4], Zhao entered the 2025 tournament as an amateur. His journey included:

Upsetting O'Sullivan: Zhao defeated O’Sullivan 17–7 in the semifinals, ending the session with an impressive 8–0 streak, securing victory with a session to spare[2][4].
Historic Final: Zhao is aiming to become the first Asian player to win the World Championship[3].

Impact on Snooker

Global Growth: A potential Zhao victory could boost snooker’s popularity in China, where he's already a major player[1][4]. O’Sullivan noted that a Chinese world champion would create a "megastar" and attract new audiences[1][4].
Redemption Narrative: His comeback from a career-threatening ban adds an engaging storyline, highlighting resilience in professional sports[4].
Style Influence: Zhao's fast-paced approach challenges traditional tactics, inspiring younger players to adopt a more dynamic game[1][5].

This remarkable performance places Zhao at the forefront of snooker’s attempts to expand beyond its traditional markets. Here’s wishing Zhao Xintong the best of luck in his bid to make history!

Zhao Xintong's brilliant display against Ronnie O'Sullivan during the World Championship semifinal secured a historic 17-7 victory, marking one of the most significant upsets in sports.
Despite the 20-month ban due to a betting scandal, Zhao Xintong has made a remarkable comeback in the 2025 World Championship, aiming to become the first Asian player to win the coveted title.
Snooker's popularity in China is growing rapidly, with the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield attracting a staggering 100 million Chinese viewers.
Zhao Xintong's fast-paced approach to the game and aggressive playstyle has earned him comparisons to Ronnie O'Sullivan, inspiring a new generation of snooker players to adopt a more dynamic game.