Before his career was derailed by a major snooker ban, Ronnie O’Sullivan paid Zhao Xintong what many regarded as the ultimate compliment — tipping him as a future world champion and one of the most naturally gifted players the sport had ever seen.
O’Sullivan, widely considered the greatest player in snooker history, has never been one to hand out praise lightly. Across more than three decades at the top, the seven-time world champion has shared the table with multiple generations of elite talent. From Stephen Hendry to Judd Trump, O’Sullivan has measured himself against the very best. So when he singled out Zhao as a special talent, the snooker world took notice.
Zhao burst onto the scene with a fearless, attacking style that drew immediate comparisons to a young O’Sullivan. His cue action was smooth and unforced, his break-building devastating when in full flow. In 2021, he captured the UK Championship title in stunning fashion, defeating Luca Brecel in the final and becoming only the fourth Chinese player to win one of snooker’s Triple Crown events. The victory announced him as more than just a promising prospect — he was a genuine force.
It was around this time that O’Sullivan made his admiration clear. He described Zhao as “incredible to watch” and suggested that his natural ability was as good as anyone’s in the game. In interviews and studio appearances, O’Sullivan remarked that Zhao had the potential to dominate snooker if he developed consistency and mental toughness. Coming from a player renowned for his brutally honest assessments, the praise carried significant weight.
O’Sullivan was particularly impressed by Zhao’s cue timing and composure under pressure. While many young players show flashes of brilliance, Zhao appeared capable of producing breathtaking snooker for sustained periods. At his best, he compiled centuries effortlessly, dismantling seasoned professionals with aggressive long potting and rapid-fire breaks. His style thrilled fans and broadcasters alike, helping to further expand snooker’s massive following in China.
Many observers believed Zhao represented the next phase of the sport’s global evolution. With China investing heavily in snooker infrastructure and youth development, Zhao seemed poised to become the country’s first men’s world champion. O’Sullivan himself has long advocated for the growth of the game in Asia, and his endorsement of Zhao felt symbolic — almost a passing of the torch to the next superstar from the East.
However, Zhao’s ascent was dramatically halted when he became embroiled in a match-fixing investigation that shook the sport. He received a lengthy ban after admitting involvement in betting-related offences. The suspension sidelined him during what should have been the prime building years of his career, casting doubt over whether he could fulfill the immense promise O’Sullivan had seen.
The contrast between O’Sullivan’s glowing praise and the subsequent ban made the situation even more striking. It served as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional sport. For a player once heralded as a future world champion, the path back to the top suddenly became far more complicated.
Yet within snooker circles, belief in Zhao’s raw ability has never entirely disappeared. Even critics acknowledge that his talent remains unquestioned. The real challenge lies in rebuilding trust, regaining sharpness, and proving that he can channel his gifts in the right direction.
O’Sullivan’s early comments now feel almost prophetic — not just in terms of talent, but in highlighting how rare and special Zhao’s natural game truly is. Whether he ultimately fulfills that prophecy remains to be seen. But the fact that snooker’s most decorated star once identified him as a future great ensures that, despite the controversy, Zhao’s story is far from finished.
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