Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted Zhao Xintong “has loads he can improve on” ahead of their showdown at the World Snooker Championship. The pair go head-to-head in the semi-finals of snooker’s premier tournament, with the action getting underway on Thursday afternoon.

Back in 2023, Zhao was handed a 20-month ban after being charged with betting on matches and being party to another player fixing matches. The 28-year-old returned to action last September as an amateur and booked his place at the World Championship after coming through qualifying. He set up his last-four clash with O’Sullivan after thrashing Chris Wakelin in the quarter-finals following comprehensive victories over Lei Peifan and last year’s runner-up Jak Jones.

O’Sullivan dispatched Si Jiahui in their final session on Wednesday evening to progress to the semis.

And turning his attention to his last-four opponent, the Rocket explained: “I still think there’s loads he can improve on.

“Maybe his tactical play can improve – then he can be a formidable opponent. The game’s missed him and it’s good he’s back.”

Zhao has already illustrated his prodigious talents on the biggest stage, with the star clinching victory at the UK Championship in 2021 after overcoming Luca Brecel in the final.

Two months after that victory, he eased to the German Masters title after thrashing compatriot Yan Bingtao 9-0 in the showpiece match. And O’Sullivan has already lauded Zhao for his endeavours at the baize in the past.

Ahead of the 2022 Players Championship, the 49-year-old said: “The last time I was this excited about a player was when I saw Stephen Hendry play when I was only about nine years old.

“Zhao is the only one since that [who] made me think, ‘Wow, he could be something special.’ He could be the greatest of all time with his talent, his ability. I always say he’s Roger Federer with a snooker cue in his hands. He’s like me, he’s a quick learner.”

O’Sullivan goes into his clash with Zhao as the favourite, despite taking a three-month break from competitive snooker earlier this year. But the blockbuster star is far from happy with his Crucible performances so far this year.

“I am just grinding it out,” he insisted after his victory against Si. “I have had some work done on my cue today and I am probably going to have to try and get a new ferrule and tip because it feels awful.

“I’m playing awful and the cue feels awful, so it is the worst situation to be in as a snooker player. I don’t think I can get any worse.”