Zhao Xintong gesture seconds after Ronnie O’Sullivan win speaks volumes | Other | Sport
Zhao Xintong made a touching gesture to Ronnie O’Sullivan immediately after thrashing the Rocket in the World Snooker Championship. The Chinese star will play in his first Crucible final but his first thought after completing a 17-7 victory was to embrace his opponent, evidencing his respect for the snooker icon.
O’Sullivan is Zhao’s rival but was gracious in defeat. Immediately after the 28-year-old potted the black to secure his triumph, O’Sullivan rose from his feet. They both approached each other before hugging. Zhao raised his hands above the seven-time world champion’s head and clapped, encouraging the fans to applaud the beaten semi-finalist. Seeming genuinely touched by the gesture, O’Sullivan smiled and patted Zhao on the side.
“I can’t believe that,” Zhao told the BBC afterwards. “I need to say thank you to Ronnie because he helped me a lot before. To be honest, I don’t want to win here [against O’Sullivan] in the Crucible, because… Hopefully he can win his eighth title and Triple crown here. He’s my idol.
“I try to enjoy the Crucible here. That’s my first time playing with the single table here. It’s an amazing time for me, I just want to enjoy it because I don’t know how many times I will enjoy it here. But I’m doing well.”
After both players had completed their media duties, Zhao was pictured hugging O’Sullivan in the latter’s dressing room. His admiration for the 49-year-old is clear to see.
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