Ronnie O’Sullivan falls victim to 19-year first in Crucible shocker as semi-final defeat confirmed

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s pursuit of a record eighth World Snooker Championship title came to a surprising halt in the semi-finals, as he was defeated 17–7 by China’s Zhao Xintong. This loss marks a significant moment in snooker history, as Zhao advances to the final, becoming only the second Asian finalist in the tournament’s history after Ding Junhui in 2016.

The match began with both players evenly matched, each securing four frames in the first session. However, the tide turned dramatically in the second session when O’Sullivan, seeking to address his cue’s performance, replaced the titanium ferrule with a brass one.

This adjustment coincided with Zhao’s surge, as he won all eight frames to establish a commanding 12–4 lead. O’Sullivan’s decision to change his cue tip mid-match was a rare and bold move that ultimately did not yield the desired results.

Zhao continued his dominance in the third session, securing five of the last six frames, including a century and four half-centuries. His consistent high-level play left O’Sullivan with little opportunity to mount a comeback. The match concluded with Zhao clinching victory with a session to spare, marking the first time O’Sullivan had been defeated in this manner at the Crucible since 1994

Reflecting on the match, O’Sullivan acknowledged his underperformance, stating, “I’ve been awful for quite a while,” and expressed disappointment at not putting up a stronger fight. He also hinted at a possible waning desire for the game, noting, “I just felt like I never gave him a game, so that’s a bit disappointing.”

Despite the loss, O’Sullivan’s sportsmanship shone through. He graciously shook hands with Zhao and received applause from both his opponent and the audience, demonstrating the respect and camaraderie that define the sport.

Zhao’s victory is particularly remarkable given his recent return to professional snooker after serving a 20-month suspension for involvement in a match-fixing investigation. His performance at the Crucible has been a testament to his resilience and skill, earning him admiration from fans and fellow players alike.

Looking ahead, Zhao awaits the winner of the semi-final between Judd Trump and Mark Williams to determine his opponent in the final. Regardless of the outcome, Zhao’s journey to the final has been a remarkable story of redemption and excellence in the world of snooker.