Zhao whitewashes O’Sullivan in brutal second session to reach first World Snooker Championship final

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s bid for an unprecedented eighth World Snooker Championship title came to a painful halt on Friday, as China’s Zhao Xintong dismantled the veteran 17-7 in a one-sided semi-final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

O’Sullivan, 48, entered the tournament with high hopes, but found himself on the wrong end of a clinical and relentless performance from the 28-year-old Zhao, who will now contest his first-ever World Championship final. The Chinese cueist becomes only the second player from his country to achieve the feat, following Ding Junhui’s runner-up finish in 2016.

While the seven-time champion managed to keep the opening session competitive at 4-4, his campaign unravelled spectacularly on Friday morning. Zhao rattled off eight consecutive frames without reply in a ruthless display of potting and safety play that left the Crucible crowd stunned and O’Sullivan reeling.

It was only the fourth time in O’Sullivan’s storied career that he had been whitewashed in a session at the World Championship. “I’ve been awful for quite a while,” the Englishman admitted afterwards. His frustration was apparent, not least with his equipment—he had his cue tip and ferrule changed overnight, calling it “awful” in the build-up.

The session left Zhao with a commanding 12-4 lead heading into the evening, and he wasted no time converting it into victory. Needing just five more frames, the elegant left-hander returned under the lights and swiftly finished the job, clinching the match with a session to spare.

For Zhao, it was a landmark moment in his rising career. Long considered one of the sport’s most gifted natural talents, he showcased composure and maturity to go alongside his flair, punishing every mistake with cool precision. His sharp positional play and calm temperament were in stark contrast to the erratic and visibly unsettled O’Sullivan.

As the final ball dropped, a moment of mutual respect followed. Zhao applauded his childhood hero as they shook hands at the table, with O’Sullivan gracious in defeat despite the disappointment.

The result confirms Zhao’s place in Sunday’s final, where he will face either Judd Trump or Mark Williams—both former world champions. The clash promises to be an intriguing generational showdown regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s second semi-final.

O’Sullivan’s exit leaves the tournament without its biggest box office draw, but Zhao’s breakthrough provides a captivating new narrative. His victory is also a symbolic boost for Chinese snooker, coming at a time when the sport in the country has faced scrutiny due to a recent match-fixing scandal involving several top players.

For O’Sullivan, the loss may prompt further reflection. Despite flashes of brilliance throughout the season, he has struggled for consistency, and this humbling defeat will raise questions about whether another world title remains within reach.

Nevertheless, few would bet against a return. With 23 Crucible campaigns to his name, O’Sullivan remains the benchmark for greatness. But on this occasion, it was Zhao’s moment—and perhaps a sign that a new era is dawning in snooker.