China’s Zhao Xintong is just one frame away from reaching the semifinals of the World Snooker Championship after extending his lead to 12-4 over England’s Chris Wakelin at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Zhao, 28, has already made a significant impact by advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in his career. The match began with Zhao dropping the first frame, but he quickly rallied to win six in a row, including an impressive break of 92.
Leading 6-2 into the second session, Zhao faced a brief challenge as Wakelin narrowed the gap to 6-4. However, Zhao regained control, taking the next six frames consecutively with breaks of 56, 68, and 58.
Now just one frame away from victory, Zhao is set to make a memorable semifinal debut at the Crucible.
Meanwhile, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan holds a commanding 6-2 lead over China’s Si Jiahui in their quarterfinal clash. O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, faced a tight opening frame but soon found his rhythm.
Si leveled the match at 1-1 with a brilliant break of 100, but O’Sullivan responded with breaks of 71, 54, and 87 to pull ahead 4-1. Si claimed the sixth frame and was leading 52-0 in the seventh, but O’Sullivan turned the tide with a break of 67.
The 47-year-old “Rocket” closed the session with a dazzling break of 121, ensuring a strong lead heading into the evening session. The pair will resume their match later on Wednesday.
