Zhao Xintong level with Ronnie O’Sullivan in World Snooker Championship semi-final
Aiming to become China’s first world champion, Zhao starts and finishes in style, while Hong Kong resident Judd Trump leads Mark Williams
China’s Zhao Xintong and seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan were all-square after a gripping opening session of their World Snooker Championship semi-final on Thursday, while Hong Kong resident Judd Trump inched ahead in the other semi.
O’Sullivan’s pedigree and experience on the big stage did not deter Zhao, who took a 2-0 lead and then finished impressively with a break of 86 to leave things level after the initial leg of their best-of-33 contest.
Englishman O’Sullivan won three frames in a row and at one stage stopped his opponent registering a point for almost 34 minutes at the Crucible.
Playing as an amateur as he continues his comeback from a 20-month ban for involvement in a betting scandal, Zhao settled quickly into his work as he picked up the first two frames with minimal fuss.
The momentum swung back to O’Sullivan as he led 3-2 before Zhao drew level again.
Both players saved their best for last, with O’Sullivan regaining the upper hand with a break of 82 before Zhao hit back with 86.