Ronnie O’Sullivan v Xintong Zhao LIVE: World Snooker Championship semi-final scores and updates – UK Times

Ronnie O’Sullivan has previously claimed he doesn’t practice much, but BBC pundit John Parrott maintains ‘The Rocket’ is working as hard as ever.

“Don’t listen to him saying he doesn’t practice. He is in the club grafting like a Trojan, he puts the hours in and he wants to win,” Parrott said.

“You will never see anyone like him again. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen. His cue ball control is at another level. He’s on another level to anyone who has played this game.”

“Draining,” Williams says reflecting on his big quarter-final win. “I was really drained this morning, two tough sessions then back.

“I lost four frames and potted two balls, then won it on the black, unbelievable. I would’ve just rolled in the blue.

“I felt really calm cleaning up the last few colours, just wanted to get through, drained, but I’m over the moon.”

Ronnie O’Sullivan said he “got lucky again” in his first competition since January as he secured a berth in the last four at the World Snooker Championship.

The 49-year-old won 13-9, having led 10-6 after Wednesday’s morning session.

He conceded three of the first four frames during the evening session but regrouped to book a semi-final against Zhao Xintong, who is competing as an amateur on his return from a match-fixing ban.

Ronnie O’Sullivan faces Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals today and the Chinese player admits he is now “stronger” since his snooker ban.

Zhao served a 20-month ban after a betting scandal and is now ready to battle with ‘The Rocket’ for a place in the final.

“I trusted that I can come back, but I’m really happy because I’ve come back to the semi-final so quickly,” Zhao said. “I think it’s a surprise for me. I’m not really ready, I had one year not playing competition. I think I’m stronger than before because it’s two years later, I think I’m stronger.”

“Yeah, absolutely. He’s incredible,” the Belgian said after his quarter-final defeat. “He’s so difficult to play against. Anyone in the draw I would have fancied beating but he’s just a different level.

“He’s just the best. Just his all round game, I think, you have many players who can score unbelievably, but he backs it up with great safety and great long-potting. That’s incredibly difficult and that’s the reason he’s number one.

“I think he’s been the best player for maybe the last five years, so it’s no surprise. He actually always plays like a number one, I think some years maybe the number one wasn’t as good as him. I think he’s probably the best number one that’s ever been, maybe.”

The bookies only make O’Sullivan a slight favourite over Zhao in the closest of the two semi-finals:

While Trump is a heavy favourite to prevail over Williams:

“I can’t be too down on myself,” Higgins explains. “I’ve lost a classic game there to an unbelievable champion. It’s given you guys great excitement, it’s given people back home great excitement. That’s why people tune into the World Championship and I’ve just come out on the wrong end of it.

“I think I’ve been one of those players who’s always had a good perspective. Sometimes when I lose in front of you guys it’s raw cause you’re just coming off. I know what’s more important in my life and she’s up there [nodding to wife Denise]. I know that.

“I give everything 100 per cent. At the end of the day if I lose it’s secondary now. It’s my job and I give everything. I lost and I’m devastated right now. It’s what happens. I go home and the family and loved ones will pick you back up and you get on with life.’

“Steve’s been amazing,” O’Sullivan admits. “I wouldn’t have got through the first round without Steve so Steve’s been incredible,’ he said. ‘It’s been a tough job for him this week. I’ve tried to give it my best and I have and just hanging in there.

“If I could afford him I’d have him every day but obviously he’s a busy man and I couldn’t afford to have him full time, so I try to time when I can have him. Obviously Sheffield is a big tournament so it’s nice to have him around when this event’s on.”