Ronnie O'Sullivan posts incredible throwback picture with Zhao Xintong as a child with classy seven-word message
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has shared a throwback to his first meeting with Zhao Xintong - hours after the Chinese star knocked him out of the World Championship.
The Rocket was outplayed by Zhao at the Crucible and went down 17-7 on Friday night.
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O'Sullivan was targeting an unlikely eighth world title in South Yorkshire.
The 49-year-old only decided to play in the tournament the day before his first round match.
But his brace run was ended in the semi-finals by The Cyclone, 28, who hit three classy centuries in the rout.
Zhao has described O'Sullivan as his sporting hero, and The Rocket has been a mentor to the 28-year-old.
Taking the tough loss in good grace, O'Sullivan posted a throwback of the pair's first meeting on X.
The snap showed a young Zhao posing with The Rocket, who captioned the photo: "How it started vs how it's going."
Fans were quick to respond, with one writing: "What a post from the GOAT."
Another said: "Massive respect for the grace you've shown."
While a third added: "The greatest of all time. Some pictures have priceless value."
O'Sullivan was criticised by former world champion Neil Robertson in the wake of his loss on Friday.
The Aussie was left baffled by Ronnie's "crazy" decision to tinker with his cue midway through the semi-final.
O'Sullivan has been open about his struggles over the past few months, with the World Championship his first tournament since January.
He has now confirmed he will be moving away from the UK and starting a new life in the Middle East.
O'Sullivan said: "There's going to be a few changes in my life, so I'll see how that goes.
World Snooker Championship 2025
WE are now into the final days of what has been a THRILLING World Snooker Championship!
A new world champion will be crowned this year after Kyren Wilson crashed out in the first round.
Heavyweights such as John Higgins and Mark Selby have also fallen as we head to the final on Sunday and Monday.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was eyeing a record eighth world title but crashed out at the hands of the brilliant Zhao Xintong - who reached the final qualifying as an amateur after his ban.
In the other semi-final, World No 1 and tournament favourite Judd Trump is facing Mark Williams.
You can follow every frame of the tournament LIVE - plus the latest news, interviews and reaction - as it happens with our dedicated BLOG.
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Snooker Explained
"I think I'm going to be moving out of the UK as well this year.
'So I don't know how that's all going to pan out, to be honest with you.
"I'm going to start a new life somewhere else. I'll still try to play snooker but I don't know what the future looks like for me really.
"Am I not playing again? I'm not saying anything. I've said it so many times.
"I'm not saying anything other than I'm moving away soon.
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