ZHAO XINTONG made a beeline for Ronnie O’Sullivan’s dressing room after his epic win at the Crucible.
The Chinese star reached the final of the World Championship after beating The Rocket 17-7 in Sheffield.
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Zhao, 28, is playing his first Worlds since returning from a 20-month ban.
Xintong did not fix a match himself, but was one of 10 Chinese stars suspended in the sport’s biggest corruption scandal in 2023.
O’Sullivan has been a mentor to the 28-year-old, who cites The Rocket among his snooker heroes.
Straight after the match, Xintong went directly to Ronnie’s dressing room.
He reportedly thanked O’Sullivan for his help and support in helping him reach first World Final, before the pair shared a hug.
The Cyclone later wrote on social media alongside a snap of O’Sullivan: “Because of you”.
Despite starting again as an amateur this season, Zhao has stormed up the rankings.
The Chinese star was already set to rejoin the pro ranks with a two-year tour card earned on the Q Tour.
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He will now retain his ranking points after a memorable run in Sheffield – and has already guaranteed a cheque for £200,000.
Zhao said: “In the past, when I played Ronnie, I’d get nervous because I really wanted to win.
“But I didn’t put too much pressure on myself this time.
“Today I felt a lot more relaxed and enjoyed it, and I ended up playing pretty well. He gave me a few chances, and I took them.
“Tonight I could feel that the whole crowd was cheering for Ronnie. But honestly, I think he deserves it.
“He’s won here seven times already, and he absolutely has the ability to win an eighth.
“That’s why I told myself not to relax, because I know he’s someone who can come back from almost any scoreline.
World Snooker Championship 2025
WE are now into the final days of what has been a THRILLING World Snooker Championship!
A new world champion will be crowned this year after Kyren Wilson crashed out in the first round.
Heavyweights such as John Higgins and Mark Selby have also fallen as we head to the final on Sunday and Monday.
Ronnie O’Sullivan was eyeing a record eighth world title but crashed out at the hands of the brilliant Zhao Xintong – who reached the final qualifying as an amateur after his ban.
In the other semi-final, World No 1 and tournament favourite Judd Trump is facing Mark Williams.
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“I just tried to focus on one shot at a time and make the most of every chance he gave me.”
No Chinese player has ever become world champion – but Zhao does not feel weighed down by history.
He continued: “This tournament feels totally unique.
“For Chinese and Asian players, no one has won it yet.
“Every match win here is incredibly difficult. Even though I’ve made it to the final, there’s still a long way to go.”
