Zhao Xintong produced an amazing display of attacking snooker to knock out his hero, the seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, with a session to spare and reach the final. O’Sullivan was left helpless to respond to the brilliance of the Chinese sensation who had come through four rounds of qualifying to reach the final stages at the Crucible.
Zhao said: “I can’t believe it. Thank you to Ronnie, he helped me a lot before. He’s my idol.”
O’Sullivan was gracious in defeat and warmly congratulated his opponent after he sealed victory with another effortless clearance to complete a 17-7 victory.