Ronnie O’Sullivan: Zhao Xintong can make Crucible history and become ‘megastar’

Ronnie O’Sullivan believes Zhao Xintong has what it takes to become the first Chinese winner of the World Snooker Championship, and with it a “megastar”, after beating the seven-time champion to reach the final.

Zhao has had an extraordinary journey to the Crucible showpiece, which gets under way on Sunday and concludes on Monday, with his latest remarkable achievement a 17-7 semi-final win over O’Sullivan with a session to spare.

Having fought through four qualifying rounds as he continues his comeback following a 20-month ban for his involvement in a betting scandal, Zhao has since seen off Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin and O’Sullivan to join Ding Junhui as the only other player from China to reach the world final.

Zhao, who is playing as an amateur in Sheffield, showed his class against O’Sullivan on Friday as he won all eight frames in the morning to open up a 12-4 lead before finishing the job in the evening to knock out his hero.

O’Sullivan thinks 2021 UK Championship winner Zhao is capable of going all the way and feels it would be good for the sport if he did get his hands on the trophy.

He said: “I think it would be amazing. I think if he did win he would be a megastar.

“He’s still very big in China as it is. But if he becomes world champion it would just be amazing for snooker and for his life as well.

“He can definitely get over the line. I think he’ll have more of a test (in the final). That will be a proper test for him.

“He played great. You have to give credit where it’s due.

“We’ve got a really nice relationship. I’m always trying to help him if I can.”

Sheffield-based Zhao wrapped up his semi-final victory with a day to spare and feels having the extra time to prepare for the final will stand him