The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is buzzing as Zhao Xintong from the Chinese mainland sits just one frame away from a historic semifinal berth at the World Snooker Championship.
After dropping the opening frame of his quarterfinal clash with England’s Chris Wakelin, Zhao hit back to dominate the opening session 6–2, including a brilliant 92 break. Wakelin briefly narrowed the gap to 6–4, but the 28-year-old regained momentum with six straight frames in the second session, posting high breaks of 56, 68 and 58 to lead 12–4.
If he seals the next frame, Zhao will be the first amateur ever to reach the Crucible semifinals and will notch his seventh consecutive victory of the tournament—a remarkable run that has caught the world’s attention.
Meanwhile, England’s Ronnie O’Sullivan, known as the “Rocket”, reinforced his status as a seven-time world champion by charging to a 6–2 lead over Si Jiahui. Despite a vintage 100 break from Si, O’Sullivan answered with 71, 54 and 87 breaks, then snatched frames six and seven, capping the session with a stunning 121 break.
As both ties move into their final sessions, all eyes will be on whether Zhao can close out his match and if O’Sullivan can maintain his mastery at the Crucible. The semifinal line-up is taking shape, and the drama is far from over.
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Zhao on brink of semifinals while O'Sullivan keeps control at Crucible
cgtn.com
