Zhao Xintong talks Ronnie O’Sullivan’s guidance, snooker goals and loving life in Sheffield

Zhao Xintong has enjoyed a momentous breakthrough into the upper echelons of snooker over the last year, but while he is aiming for the very top of the sport, he is focusing on keeping the pressure off, for now.

The 25-year-old produced some stunning performances to win the UK Championship and German Masters last season, while picking up his first ever win in a match at the Crucible saw him end the campaign at number six in the world rankings.

Having reached one ranking semi-final before that UK triumph it has been a remarkable boost for the Chinese star as he begins to fulfil the immense talent he has always shown.

Zhao remembers a deciding-frame victory over John Higgins at the UK Championship which massively improved his confidence, while it is another member of the Class of ’92 that is having even more influence on his career.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has chosen to take Zhao under his wing, offering him advice on tap and clearly taking a very keen interest in the Cyclone, as was proved at the Championship League last week as the Rocket watched all three of his matches.

‘He’s a very nice guy and this year he’s really helped me,’ Zhao told Metro.co.uk.

‘In the Championship League he watched my games and he told me where I can be better and where I need to learn. He said I played well, which is very nice.

‘It’s mainly mental help. Before I asked him a question: How can you control the match and make the opponent feel pressure?

‘When I played in the Championship League he said that I have answered the question. If you play well, feel confident, the opponent will feel pressure.’

O’Sullivan is having a profound impact on Zhao as the rising star is focusing more on trying to play in the style of the world champion than thinking about World