China’s Zhao Xintong into first World Championship semi-final, to face Ronnie O’Sullivan

China’s Zhao Xintong reached the World Snooker Championship semi-finals for the first time on Wednesday, and will face seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. Zhao beat Chris Wakelin 13-5 to set up the first best-of-33 match of his career against veteran O’Sullivan, who overcame China’s Si Jiahui 13-9. For O’Sullivan, this will be his 14th semi-final at the Crucible Theatre.

However, despite his impressive semi-final victory, Zhao suggested he was not performing to the same level in the latter stages of the competition. “Maybe it’s because I’ve been playing continuously for over 20 days now, this long format takes a toll on your concentration,” Zhao said. “Physically I still feel OK, but mentally I wasn’t as sharp as I was earlier in the tournament.



” And O’Sullivan said mental strength rather than technical skill would be key in the big matches. “It takes more than talent to win this, you need steeliness,” O’Sullivan, 49, said. “You are going to come up against someone really tough in the semis and final.

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