Zhao Xintong Stuns Ronnie O'Sullivan to Reach World Snooker Championship Final

Published on: May 5, 2025

Category: world

Zhao Xintong’s Seminal Triumph Over Ronnie O'Sullivan

Every so often, the world of snooker is rocked by a performance so audacious it demands a rewriting of the sport’s narrative. The 2025 World Snooker Championship semi-final delivered one such moment, as Zhao Xintong, a player whose recent past was marked by controversy and enforced absence, dismantled the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan with a 17–7 victory. For those who thought the old order was unshakable, Zhao’s display was a pointed reminder that the future is always just a cue away from the present.

The Match: A Study in Composure and Class

Let’s not mince words: this was not just an upset, it was a demolition. Coming into the match, Ronnie O'Sullivan, the seven-time world champion and perennial favorite, was expected to dictate the tempo. The first session, ending at 4–4, seemed to confirm this, with both players exchanging frames in a cautious, almost respectful dance. But Zhao, whose return to the sport after a 20-month suspension due to a match-fixing investigation had already raised eyebrows, was just getting warmed up.

In the second session, Zhao unleashed a barrage of breaks and tactical brilliance that left O'Sullivan visibly rattled. Winning all eight frames in that session, Zhao surged to a 12–4 lead, a margin few could have predicted. The atmosphere in the Crucible Theatre shifted palpably; whispers of a generational shift began to circulate among the pundits and fans alike. Zhao’s shot selection was both fearless and precise, blending youthful aggression with a maturity that belied his years.

O’Sullivan: The Legend Outpaced

Ronnie O'Sullivan has built his career on comebacks and psychological warfare, but this time, the tables were irrevocably turned. Even the Rocket’s trademark quick-fire style and mind games failed to disrupt Zhao’s rhythm. O'Sullivan’s experience was evident in flashes—clever safety play, the occasional century break—but these moments were islands in a sea of Zhao’s dominance. By the third session, it was clear the torch was being passed, not gently, but with a flourish.

Zhao Xintong’s Comeback: From Suspension to Stardom

For context, Zhao’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. In early 2023, he found himself embroiled in a match-fixing investigation, resulting in a 20-month suspension from professional snooker. Many wrote him off, assuming the hiatus would blunt his competitive edge. Instead, Zhao used his time away to recalibrate, returning to the circuit with a renewed sense of purpose and a game sharper than ever. His run to the semi-finals was impressive enough, but his performance against O'Sullivan was a statement of intent to the entire snooker world.

It’s worth noting that Zhao’s victory is not just a personal triumph; it’s a seismic moment for Chinese snooker. While China has produced a string of talented players—Ding Junhui being the most prominent—no player from the country had ever reached the World Championship final before. Zhao’s achievement is likely to inspire a new generation of Chinese cueists, and you can be sure the sport’s power brokers are already recalibrating their expectations for the future.

The Anatomy of a Rout: How Zhao Dismantled the Rocket

• Session One: Both players traded frames, resulting in a balanced 4–4 scoreline. O'Sullivan appeared comfortable, but Zhao’s calm was notable.
• Session Two: Zhao elevated his game dramatically, winning all eight frames. His break-building was clinical, and his safety play forced O'Sullivan into uncharacteristic errors.
• Session Three: With momentum firmly on his side, Zhao closed out the match, securing victory with a session to spare. O'Sullivan, for all his experience, found no answer to Zhao’s relentless precision.

Such a comprehensive victory over a player of O'Sullivan’s calibre is rare. The 17–7 scoreline is not just a statistic; it’s a testament to Zhao’s dominance and O'Sullivan’s inability to adapt under pressure. The Crucible has seen its share of shocks, but few as emphatic as this.

Implications for the World Snooker Championship

Zhao Xintong’s progression to the final is historic, both for himself and for Chinese snooker. The final now promises to be a watershed moment, with Zhao carrying the hopes of a nation and the attention of the global snooker community. The question is no longer whether he belongs at this level, but how high his ceiling truly is. With one match left, the stage is set for a conclusion that will be discussed for years to come.

As the world waits for the final, one thing is certain: Zhao Xintong has already changed the game. The Rocket may have been grounded this time, but the sport is richer for the arrival of its newest star.