The seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and first-time semi-finalist Zhao Xintong shared the spoils in a gripping opening session at the Crucible, tying 4-4 as they fight for a spot in theWorld Snooker Championshipfinal.
O’Sullivan’s pedigree and experience on the big stage did not deter Zhao, who took a 2-0 lead and then finished impressively with a break of 86 – the highest of the match to date – to leave things all square after the initial leg of their best-of-33 frames contest.
With moments to go in the afternoon’s play, Zhao broke a corner runner with a powerful shot to leave balls rolling around the carpet as he applied the finishing touches.
Earlier O’Sullivan, who considered his13-9 win over Si Jiahuiin the quarter-finals a let-off, won three frames in a row and at one stage stopped his opponent registering a point for almost 34 minutes.
Zhao showed no sign of nerves on his first appearance at the theatre’s one-table set-up, settling quickly into his work as he picked up the first two frames with minimal fuss.
O’Sullivan potted the white off the initial break and was restricted to a couple of reds as the Chinese player put together a decisive 60 to take first blood. It was a similar story in the next, O’Sullivan opening the door with a missed black and Zhao cashing in with a 62 break.
The Rocket came to life at 2-0, producing his best shot yet when he brilliantly hid the blue and getting into the zone with a breezy 64.
By the time the mid-session interval arrived he had wrestled back the momentum, conjuring a fluid 73 to even the scores before jamming a black in the jaws with a century for the taking.
O’Sullivan’s roll continued after the restart as he got the better of a safety exchange then sealed the fifth, leaving Zhao over half-an-hour and two frames without scoring a point. When he snapped his barren streak he did enough to draw level at 3-3.
Both players saved their best for last as they warmed to an engaging battle, O’Sullivan regaining the upper hand with a break of 82 before Zhao shot back with 86.