Zhao Xintong Humiliates Snooker Legend with 17–7 Victory
Snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan has sent shockwaves through the sport after hinting at retirement following a brutal 17–7 semi-final defeat to China’s Zhao Xintong in the 2025 World Snooker Championship. The seven-time world champion—often regarded as the greatest player in history—was dismantled by a red-hot Zhao, who dominated the table from start to finish with a string of flawless breaks.
The defeat marks one of the worst of O’Sullivan’s career and comes at a venue where he has made history countless times—the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Zhao’s performance, featuring several century breaks, showed a level of precision and calm rarely seen from a semi-final debutant. Meanwhile, O’Sullivan looked unsettled throughout, his cueing off and his confidence slipping frame by frame.
Fans and pundits were left stunned as O’Sullivan, visibly dejected after the match, suggested that his time in the sport may be winding down. “I don’t know what the future looks like for me really,” he admitted, fueling rumors that retirement may be closer than previously thought.
O’Sullivan Admits: “I Don’t Know What the Future Looks Like”
Following the loss, O’Sullivan appeared emotionally and mentally drained. While he has previously indicated that he wanted to continue playing for “another two years,” this latest setback has clearly shaken his resolve. “I can’t keep doing this if I’m not enjoying it or if I’m not at the level I want to be,” he said.
In a candid admission to reporters, the 48-year-old snooker legend explained how mounting frustrations with his form, the pressures of competition, and growing interest in life outside the UK are prompting him to reevaluate his future in professional snooker.
Crucible Nightmare Raises Questions About Ronnie’s Future in the Game
Equipment Problems and Cue Issues Hamper Performance
Throughout the tournament, O’Sullivan struggled with a temporary cue after breaking his trusted one earlier in the season. The issue continued to plague him during the Zhao match, as he was seen replacing the cue tip multiple times—a clear sign that he was never truly comfortable on the table.
Equipment mishaps may seem minor to casual fans, but for elite-level professionals like O’Sullivan, a cue’s feel and precision are critical. His discomfort and lack of rhythm were evident in every session, contributing to one of the most one-sided losses of his career.
Only Second Time in 31-Year Career Defeated With Session to Spare
To add context to the scale of the defeat, this is only the second time in Ronnie O’Sullivan’s illustrious 31-year professional career that he’s lost at the Crucible with a session to spare. That stat alone underscores how outmatched he was and raises legitimate questions about whether this marks the beginning of the end for snooker’s biggest name.
In contrast, Zhao Xintong is being hailed as the face of snooker’s next generation. If he wins the final, he will become the first-ever Chinese world snooker champion—cementing a new era for the sport.
Ronnie O’Sullivan Eyes Exit from UK, Possible Move to Middle East
Dubai May Become New Base as Ronnie Eyes Asia-Centered Snooker Growth
In a surprising post-match revelation, O’Sullivan shared that he may soon be relocating to the Middle East, with Dubai being his top choice. “It’s got great facilities, better lifestyle, and it’s closer to the growing snooker scene in Asia,” he told The Times.
The move wouldn’t just be personal—it may signal a strategic pivot in his business and media ventures. O’Sullivan has been involved in snooker academies and exhibitions in China and the UAE, and relocating could help him expand those opportunities while distancing himself from the rigorous tour schedule in the UK.
Plans for Final Two Years Now Uncertain
Just last year, O’Sullivan said he wanted to continue competing at the top for “another two years.” But this latest defeat and his visible frustration now cast doubt over those plans. “It’s hard when you’re not enjoying it, when you feel like you’re not competing. I might need to take some time out. Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.”
It’s not the first time he’s flirted with retirement, but fans and commentators agree this feels different. The tone, the emotion, and the manner of his defeat have all combined to make this admission seem far more final.
