Ronnie O’Sullivan is now just two victories away from capturing his eighth World Snooker Championship title, an impressive feat considering he only recently returned to competition after a four-month hiatus. He will face Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals. According to pundit Alan McManus, O’Sullivan nicknamed “The Rocket” has what it takes to stay at the pinnacle of the sport for years.
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While many players may have better potting skills than the legendary Class of ’92 trio O’Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams McManus insists there are no better all-round snooker players. O’Sullivan advanced to his 14th career semi-final after narrowly defeating Si Jiahui. Meanwhile, Williams triumphed over Higgins in a thrilling match, meaning both veterans from the 1992 intake are just two wins away from glory. Williams will now face Judd Trump, the current world number one, who has enjoyed an exceptional 2024/25 season.
Zhao, O’Sullivan’s semi-final opponent, has earned praise from McManus, who previously described him as the finest long-potter the game has ever seen. While potting is vital, McManus emphasized that the enduring success of the Class of ’92 lies in their complete mastery of the sport. “There are plenty who can pot better, but they can’t play snooker better,” he noted.
McManus believes their well-rounded skills will keep them competitive for as long as they choose to continue. Reanne Evans also weighed in, saying that while O’Sullivan and Williams can be unpredictable, Trump rightly deserves his status as tournament favourite.
Zhao, the fourth semi-finalist, entered the championship as a strong contender. Jimmy White compared the young Chinese star to darts sensation Luke Littler, calling him a generational talent. “He’s a joy to watch, and when he’s in form, opponents have little chance,” White said. “Facing the greatest player in the world will be a huge moment for him he just needs to stay close to O’Sullivan.”
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