Supports O'Sullivan for Zhao Xintong's ascension to snooker stardomdom.
Zhao Xintong, the Unlikely Hero of Snooker's Crucible
With an informal, approachable tone and concise phrasing, let's dive into the unexpected rise of the Chinese snooker prodigy at the 2025 World Championship.
Playing as an amateur and surprising odds-makers, Zhao Xintong, the 24-year-old sensation, managed to knock out the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan in a stunning 17-7 victory at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre[1]. Cruising through the semi-finals with a session to spare, Zhao is all set to face either Judd Trump or Mark Williams in the final[1].
Despite his recent return following a 20-month ban for involvement in a betting scandal, Zhao has been on a roll, taking down Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, and O'Sullivan, solidifying his place as the only other Chinese player, alongside Ding Junhui, to reach a world final[1].
Friday morning saw Zhao defy pre-match predictions with an eight-frame sweep, establishing a commanding 12-4 lead over O'Sullivan, a hero he looks up to[2]. At the end of the day, the 2021 UK Championship winner bested his idol to advance, leaving the Englishman confident that Zhao has the potential to win it all[2].
"It would be amazing if he did win," O'Sullivan admitted. "He's already quite big in China, but if he becomes world champion, it'll be just incredible for snooker. I think if he gets over the line, he'll be a megastar," he continued[2].
Reflecting on the semi-finals, O'Sullivan applauded Zhao's performance and shared their close relationship, expressing his willingness to help whenever possible[2]. Meanwhile, Zhao is savoring the extra rest he's gained from wrapping up his semi-finals ahead of schedule and is eager to tackle the final with confidence[1].
As for his opponent in the final, that remains uncertain, with Williams leading Trump 13-11 in the concluding session of their semi-final[1]. Regardless of who he faces, Zhao is ready to take on the ultimate challenge, knowing full well that the test will be formidable[2].
Zhao Xintong started playing snooker when he was around eight or ten, setting his sights on becoming the world champion from that very moment[4]. Is he still a distant dream away from the title? Perhaps. But the young Chinese phenom is determined to try[4].
In the end, let's watch as the 2025 Snooker World Championship unfolds, cheering on Zhao Xintong as he takes the snooker world by storm!
© 2025 AFP
[1] BBC News[2] The Telegraph[3] SNookerZone[4] Zhao Xintong Wikipedia
- In the thrilling climax of the 2025 Snooker World Championship, Zhao Xintong, the Chinese prodigy, will definitely face either Judd Trump or Mark Williams in the final.
- Zhao's stunning victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield during the tournament showcased his remarkable talent in the sport of snooker.
- With an eye on becoming the world champion, Zhao Xintong, at just 24 years old, has already proven that he's ready to take on the toughest challenges in the world of snooker.
