In a thrilling semi-final at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, Ronnie O’Sullivan is battling it out against Zhao Xintong at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, with both players vying for a spot in the finals. O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, is on the quest for a historic eighth title, while Zhao is making history of his own, aiming to become the first amateur to win the prestigious tournament.
As of May 1, 2025, O’Sullivan has taken a narrow lead in the match, pulling ahead with a score of 3-2 after winning three consecutive frames. The Englishman showcased his trademark resilience and skill, rattling off a stunning break of 71-0 to take the lead, demonstrating why he is considered one of the greatest players in snooker history.
Despite his strong performance, O’Sullivan has been open about his struggles throughout the tournament. He admitted to feeling “awful” about his game, stating, “I’m playing awful and the cue feels awful. It’s the worst situation to be in as a snooker player.” His candidness reflects the pressure he feels as he attempts to reclaim his title, having narrowly edged past Si Jiahui in the quarter-finals with a score of 13-9.
Zhao, 28, reached the semi-finals after a commanding 13-5 victory over Chris Wakelin. This marks his first appearance in the latter stages of the World Championship, and he is determined to make the most of this opportunity. “When I was a kid, watching snooker on TV and seeing the semis and final here, it was such a powerful image,” Zhao reflected. “And now that I’m standing there myself, I feel really happy. Of course, I still hope I can go one step further and win the semi-final, maybe even challenge for the title.”
As the match unfolded, O’Sullivan’s experience began to show. After falling behind 2-0, he quickly turned the tide, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure. O’Sullivan made a break of 64 to reduce the deficit, followed by a break of 73 that leveled the match at 2-2. The momentum shifted dramatically, and O’Sullivan’s confidence seemed to grow as he settled into the match.
However, Zhao is not without his own strengths. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic play, he has the potential to challenge O’Sullivan’s lead. Stephen Hendry, a fellow snooker legend, warned Zhao about the importance of minimizing unforced errors, stating, “you've got to make hay while the sun shines.” The pressure is on Zhao to maintain his composure and capitalize on any mistakes from O’Sullivan.
Adding to the drama, Shaun Murphy noted that O’Sullivan is using a new cue tip, which may be contributing to his inconsistent play. “If it is a new tip, almost every shot he's playing out there is guesswork,” Murphy commented. This uncertainty adds an intriguing layer to the match, as O’Sullivan must navigate his own challenges while facing a formidable opponent.
As the clock ticked towards the halfway point of the match, O’Sullivan demonstrated his mental fortitude, pulling off a masterful break to secure a 3-2 lead. The crowd at the Crucible erupted as he rattled off three straight frames, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. “That is classic O’Sullivan, mentally so strong in there without his best stuff, then he flicks the switch,” remarked one commentator.
With the score currently at 3-2 in favor of O’Sullivan, the stakes could not be higher. Both players are aware that this match could define their careers—O’Sullivan striving to extend his legacy and Zhao hoping to etch his name in the history books as the first amateur champion. The atmosphere is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the next frames as the tension mounts.
Looking ahead, the winner of this semi-final will face the victor of the other match between Judd Trump and Mark Williams. Trump has been in formidable form, having recently dispatched Luca Brecel and setting a record with his 104th century of the season. The prospect of a final showdown between O’Sullivan and Trump, two of snooker’s brightest stars, adds an extra layer of excitement to the championship.
As the semi-final continues, fans and pundits alike are on the edge of their seats, eager to see who will emerge victorious. O’Sullivan’s experience and skill are pitted against Zhao’s determination and potential, making for a thrilling encounter that is sure to be remembered in snooker history.
Stay tuned for live updates as the action unfolds at the Crucible Theatre.
