Zhao Nears Semifinals as O'Sullivan Maintains Dominance at Crucible
China's Zhao Xintong is now just one frame away from securing a spot in the semifinals of the World Snooker Championship, having increased his lead to 12-4 against England's Chris Wakelin after their second session at the Crucible Theatre in...
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China's Zhao Xintong is now just one frame away from securing a spot in the semifinals of the World Snooker Championship, having increased his lead to 12-4 against England's Chris Wakelin after their second session at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.
This quarterfinal appearance is significant for Zhao, marking him as the first amateur to reach this stage in the event's history.
The match began with a slight challenge for Zhao, who lost the first frame but quickly turned things around, winning six consecutive frames, highlighted by an impressive break of 92.
Entering the second session with a 6-2 advantage, Zhao had to contend with a brief comeback from World No. 13 Wakelin, who cut the deficit to 6-4. However, the former UK Championship winner from China regained his composure and showcased his skill by winning the next six frames in a row, with breaks of 56, 68, and 58 along the way.
Now on the verge of victory, the 28-year-old Zhao is positioned to achieve his seventh consecutive win at the Crucible if he can close out the match.
In another quarterfinal matchup, snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan leads Si Jiahui 6-2. The seven-time world champion from England encountered a tough opening frame but quickly settled into his game.
China’s Si made a strong response with a break of exactly 100 in the second frame to momentarily tie the match. Yet, O'Sullivan's experience prevailed as he delivered breaks of 71, 54, and 87, establishing a 4-1 lead.
Si attempted to rally by winning the sixth frame and had a 52-0 lead in the seventh, but he stumbled at a key moment. O'Sullivan took full advantage, scoring a break of 67 to go ahead 5-2.
The 49-year-old "Rocket" concluded the afternoon session with an impressive break of 121, ensuring he maintained a 6-2 lead before the evening session. He and Si will meet again for the second of three sessions later on Wednesday.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
This quarterfinal appearance is significant for Zhao, marking him as the first amateur to reach this stage in the event's history.
The match began with a slight challenge for Zhao, who lost the first frame but quickly turned things around, winning six consecutive frames, highlighted by an impressive break of 92.
Entering the second session with a 6-2 advantage, Zhao had to contend with a brief comeback from World No. 13 Wakelin, who cut the deficit to 6-4. However, the former UK Championship winner from China regained his composure and showcased his skill by winning the next six frames in a row, with breaks of 56, 68, and 58 along the way.
Now on the verge of victory, the 28-year-old Zhao is positioned to achieve his seventh consecutive win at the Crucible if he can close out the match.
In another quarterfinal matchup, snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan leads Si Jiahui 6-2. The seven-time world champion from England encountered a tough opening frame but quickly settled into his game.
China’s Si made a strong response with a break of exactly 100 in the second frame to momentarily tie the match. Yet, O'Sullivan's experience prevailed as he delivered breaks of 71, 54, and 87, establishing a 4-1 lead.
Si attempted to rally by winning the sixth frame and had a 52-0 lead in the seventh, but he stumbled at a key moment. O'Sullivan took full advantage, scoring a break of 67 to go ahead 5-2.
The 49-year-old "Rocket" concluded the afternoon session with an impressive break of 121, ensuring he maintained a 6-2 lead before the evening session. He and Si will meet again for the second of three sessions later on Wednesday.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
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