Ronnie O'Sullivan Tips Zhao Xintong for World Snooker Glory

Zhao Xintong reaches the World Snooker Championship final after a dominant win over Ronnie O'Sullivan, with O'Sullivan tipping him for potential glory.

Ronnie O'Sullivan predicts Zhao Xintong will become the first Chinese winner of the World Snooker Championship. Despite being thrashed by Zhao in their semi-final, O'Sullivan believes the 28-year-old has the potential to be a “megastar” after his dominant 17-7 win.

"I never thought I would win. I also hoped for him to claim his 8th title, so I was really relaxed." "I took my chances."

- Zhao Xintong, who defeated his idol Ronnie O'Sullivan 17-7 with a session to spare, became the 2⃣nd World Championship finalist from China🇨🇳#Snooker pic.twitter.com/NgCrCkQ6qJ

— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) May 3, 2025

Zhao's victory over O'Sullivan, widely regarded as snooker's greatest player, has set up a final against either Judd Trump or Mark Williams. The final is scheduled for Sunday and Monday at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.

Zhao Xintong's achievement is particularly impressive considering he had to overcome four qualifying rounds to enter the main draw, having returned from a 20-month ban for a betting scandal.

Zhao has now defeated several opponents, including Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, and Ronnie O'Sullivan, to reach the World Championship final. He joins Ding Junhui as one of the only Chinese players to have reached the final.

Zhao Xintong dominated Ronnie O'Sullivan in their semi-final match, winning all eight frames in the morning session to take a 12-4 lead. He sealed his victory in the evening session, defeating O'Sullivan 17-7.

“I think it would be amazing,” O'Sullivan said. “I think if he did win he would be a megastar. He's still very big in China as it is. But if he becomes world champion it would just be amazing for snooker and for his life as well.” O'Sullivan believes a Chinese world champion would be great for the sport.

“He can definitely get over the line. I think he'll have more of a test (in the final). That will be a proper test for him.

“He played great. You have to give credit where it’s due.

“We've got a really nice relationship. I'm always trying to help him if I can.”

Zhao Xintong secured his semi-final win with a day to spare, feeling the extra rest will benefit him. “I've had one day off and that's very good for me,” he said.

The World Championship title has been Zhao's lifelong dream. “When I was eight or 10 years old, that was my first time playing snooker and (winning the World Championship) is my only dream still now,” he revealed.

They say never meet your heroes...

Well Zhao Xintong has just beaten his in the semi-final of the World Snooker Championship, this was how Ronnie O'Sullivan reacted. 💚#BBCSnooker pic.twitter.com/qEYezGttAm

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 2, 2025

Zhao Xintong is now within reach of his childhood dream of winning the World Championship. “From that moment I thought it was really far, that dream, but now I can see it but I know it’s really far. But I will try,” he said.

The final opponent for Zhao will be determined by the outcome of the semi-final between Mark Williams and Judd Trump, with Williams currently leading 13-11 heading into the final session on Saturday.