In a landmark quarterfinal clash at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, Zhao Xintong from the Chinese mainland thrashed England's Chris Wakelin 13-5 to secure his first-ever berth in the semifinals.
Dominating early, Zhao raced to a 12-4 lead after two sessions before sealing victory in the 18th frame. He becomes the fourth player from the Chinese mainland to reach snooker’s last four, following Fu Jiajun (2006), Ding Junhui (2016, 2017) and Si Jiahui (2023).
Reflecting on his breakthrough run, Zhao said, "I didn’t set too high a goal for myself when I came to play. Now I’m in the last four, I think there is still space for me to improve. I believe I still have more potential."
Up next is a high-stakes semifinal against English seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who downed Si 13-9. For Zhao, it’s a full-circle moment: "O’Sullivan was my hero when I was a child. It will be a great honor to play against him in the semifinals."
The other semifinal pits three-time world champion Mark Williams of Wales against home favorite Judd Trump, who edged Belgium’s Luca Brecel 13-8. Williams survived a nail-biter win over Scotland’s John Higgins, 13-12, to earn his spot.
With rising viewership across G20 nations, snooker’s global footprint keeps expanding as young fans tune in for fresh storylines and high-stakes drama.
Both semifinals kick off on Thursday, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic weekend in snooker as new talent clashes with legends.
Reference(s):
Zhao Xintong makes World Snooker Championship semis for first time
cgtn.com
