**Zhao Xintong’s Remarkable Comeback: From Scandal to Crucible Semi-Final Amid Praise from O’Sullivan**
The 2025 World Snooker Championship has been lit up by the extraordinary return of Zhao Xintong, who has defied both his turbulent past and the odds to reach the semi-finals in Sheffield. Once considered one of snooker’s most promising talents, the 27-year-old Chinese player is now at the centre of attention as he chases a coveted spot in the final of the world’s most prestigious tournament.
Taking to the table at the Crucible Theatre, Zhao has already toppled several heavyweights and currently holds an emphatic lead over veteran superstar Ronnie O’Sullivan in their last-four clash. Zhao’s journey back to snooker stardom marks one of the most compelling comeback stories in recent memory, following his 20-month suspension from the sport.
Not so long ago, Zhao’s future in professional snooker seemed in serious jeopardy. In January 2023, he became embroiled in a far-reaching match-fixing scandal which saw him banned by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). While Zhao was found guilty of manipulating matches and betting offences dating between 2019 and 2022, he was cleared of fixing his own matches. His ban was ultimately one of the shortest among the Chinese contingent implicated, and he returned to competitive action in September 2024.
Zhao’s re-entry onto the professional circuit proved his resolve. He stormed the Q Tour with impressive performances, including a pair of maximum breaks, earning back the right to compete among snooker’s elite ranks. His progression in Sheffield has been nothing short of clinical. He powered through four tough qualifying rounds, conquering the likes of Ka Wai Cheung and Elliot Slessor, then dispatched last year’s runner-up Jak Jones, outclassed Lei Peifan, and breezed past Chris Wakelin in the quarter-finals.
The renewal of his career comes with renewed attention to his reputation—and his net worth, reportedly now standing at around £1.5 million. Speaking to the BBC, Zhao reflected: “Two years ago I made a little mistake. I know how important snooker is to me. These two years have been very long for me, I’ve practised every day.” His humility and focus have gone some way toward rebuilding his standing in the sport.
Perhaps most strikingly, Zhao has earned the admiration of none other than Ronnie O’Sullivan, a towering figure in the game. O’Sullivan has compared Zhao’s raw talent and on-table poise to both Stephen Hendry and Roger Federer, suggesting Zhao could one day threaten his own records. “The last time I was this excited about a player was when I saw Stephen Hendry play when I was about nine years old… He is maybe the only one who could topple some of those [records],” O’Sullivan said, praising the young player’s attacking verve and calm temperament.
Not content with past accolades, O’Sullivan recently reiterated his belief that Zhao will be ‘world number one’ and even a world champion within three years. “He’s our Luke Littler and he’s got that X-Factor. Unbelievable talent,” O’Sullivan remarked, asserting that Zhao brings a unique energy and style that sets him apart from the crowd.
Zhao, for his part, remains grounded, describing O’Sullivan as a lifelong idol. “Ronnie is the greatest player ever. I watched him as a kid, and to play him in a semi-final is a dream. I just want to enjoy it and play my game,” Zhao recently shared with tournament media. This mutual respect adds extra intrigue to their battle at the Crucible, a contest which could act as the defining moment of Zhao’s post-suspension redemption arc.
O’Sullivan, currently hunting for what would be a record-extending eighth world title, has looked vulnerable at times in recent months. Many observers feel Zhao’s dynamism could prove decisive, especially as legendary voices such as Stephen Hendry have joined O’Sullivan in singing Zhao’s praises. Hendry, commenting on his own podcast, highlighted the “stardust” evident in Zhao’s game—a quality shared by only the very best.
There can be no doubt that Zhao’s reinvention following adversity has caught the imagination of snooker fans worldwide. Victory over O’Sullivan would see Zhao take another massive step towards rewriting his own legacy and could lead to a scintillating final against either Mark Williams or Judd Trump.
Regardless of the result, Zhao Xintong’s stunning resurgence stands as a testament to both personal fortitude and sporting talent—reminding the sporting public that redemption, when seized, can be every inch as dramatic as downfall.