Ronnie O’Sullivan’s bid for a report eighth World Snooker Championship title is over after defeat towards Zhao Xintong.
The 49-year-old misplaced all eight frames within the second session of his semi-final towards Zhao to path 12-4 heading into Friday night.
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O’Sullivan, who has received a joint-record seven world titles alongside Stephen Hendry, went into the morning’s session stage at 4-4.
However an unimaginable show from Zhao to win 17-7 has ended his hopes of creating one other look within the ultimate on the Crucible.
Following Thursday’s session, O’Sullivan made the courageous option to have the tip and ferrule on his cue modified in a single day.
It comes after ‘Rocket’ had labelled it as ‘terrible’ forward of his last-four encounter with Zhao.
He mentioned earlier this week: “I had work carried out on my cue. The cue feels terrible. I’m taking part in terrible. I want a brand new ferrule. I miss the excitement of taking part in effectively.”
Earlier than including: “I’m like a swan on the highest however flapping legs on the backside. I’m taking part in with zero confidence. I’ve to grind it out.”
And having made altercations mid-match, the choice in the end backfired after he was whitewashed.
It was simply the fourth time in O’Sullivan’s profession that he misplaced every of his eight frames in a single World Championship session.
In the meantime, it is the primary time O’Sullivan has misplaced all eight frames in a Crucible session since shedding to Graeme Dott within the 2006 semi-finals.
Qualifier Zhao, who had by no means gone past the final 16 on the Crucible earlier than this yr, expertly capitalised on his opponents struggles.
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Talking on BBC commentary, former UK Championship winner John Virgo mentioned of Zhao: “Scintillating snooker.
“What a participant. What a future he’s bought within the sport. To do that to Ronnie O’Sullivan, it’s an outstanding efficiency.
“Altering of the guard possibly, proper right here, proper now.”
Zhao may change into the primary ever Asian World Championship winner and first novice to overcome the Crucible.
He received with one session to spare, which is just the second time that O’Sullivan has been crushed this manner on the Crucible and first since 1994.
Awaiting him within the ultimate will likely be both Mark Williams or Judd Trump, who’re stage at 8-8 heading into Saturday.
Ronnie O’Sullivan left stony-faced as semi-final conflict descends into farce