In a stunning turn of events at the World Snooker Championship, Ronnie O'Sullivan's quest for an unprecedented eighth title came to an abrupt halt as he suffered a crushing 17-7 defeat to Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals, with a session to spare. The match, held on May 2, 2025, at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, showcased Zhao's remarkable talent and composure, marking a significant moment in snooker history.
Zhao, 28, became only the second player from Asia to reach the Crucible final, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Ding Junhui, who was the runner-up in 2016. This victory is a testament to Zhao's resurgence after a tumultuous period in his career, which included a 20-month suspension due to a match-fixing scandal.
The semi-final match began with both players evenly matched, closing the first session at 4-4. However, Zhao quickly seized control, launching into a remarkable performance that saw him win eight consecutive frames in the morning session, establishing a commanding 12-4 lead. His breaks of 62 and 128 during this session left O'Sullivan reeling and unable to regain his footing.
Despite the overwhelming support from the crowd for O'Sullivan, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in snooker history, Zhao's clinical play proved too much. As the evening session commenced, O'Sullivan managed to take the first frame but was quickly thwarted by Zhao, who responded with breaks of 85, 63, and 88 to seal his victory.
“Zhao played good, he deserved his victory,” O'Sullivan admitted after the match. “I think he's done brilliantly all tournament and all credit to Zhao. He played better than me.” This humility from O'Sullivan reflects both his respect for Zhao and his acknowledgment of his own struggles during the tournament.
O'Sullivan's performance has been under scrutiny, particularly after he switched the ferrule on his cue from titanium to brass just before the match. This decision, criticized by snooker pundits, was seen as a gamble that ultimately backfired. “He has changed from the titanium back to the brass ferrule,” said 12-time women’s world champion Reanne Evans. “You have to allow time for certain shots with a new tip, let alone a new ferrule.”
In contrast, Zhao's journey back to the top of the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. After his suspension, he returned to competitive snooker in September 2024, dominating the Q Tour and earning his way back onto the World Snooker Tour. His performance against O'Sullivan is a culmination of hard work and determination, demonstrating that he is ready to take on the mantle of the next great player in snooker.
“I can't believe that,” Zhao exclaimed after his victory. “I need to say thank you to Ronnie because he has helped me a lot before. He's my idol.” This sentiment underscores the mutual respect between the two players, with Zhao viewing O'Sullivan as a significant influence on his career.
In the other semi-final, Judd Trump and Mark Williams were locked in a tightly contested match, finishing the day tied at 8-8. Trump, who had initially taken a 7-3 lead, found himself matched by the experienced Williams, who is aiming to become the oldest finalist in World Championship history at 50 years old.
As the tournament progresses, Zhao's victory over O'Sullivan has set the stage for an exciting final. Should he continue this form, he could become the first player from China to win the World Snooker Championship, a milestone that would resonate throughout the sport.
“I just want to enjoy it because I don't know how many times I can try to enjoy it here,” Zhao said, reflecting on the significance of reaching the final. His journey from a suspended player to a finalist is a testament to his resilience and talent, and fans eagerly await to see who he will face in the championship match.
As the dust settles on this thrilling semi-final, the snooker world is abuzz with anticipation for the final showdown. Will Zhao Xintong continue his stunning rise, or will Trump or Williams prove to be a formidable challenge? One thing is certain: the 2025 World Snooker Championship has delivered unforgettable moments, and the best is yet to come.
