China’s Zhao Xintong will win World Snooker Championship ‘within five years’ insists Jamie Clarke after 10-2 thrashing at Crucible
- Welshman thinks Zhao may even be in contention to lift the title this year after first win at famed tournament
- World No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan says ‘The Cyclone’ could end up as ‘greatest of all time’ after working with him
China’s Zhao Xintong secured his first ever win at the Crucible on Sunday, after outclassing Jamie Clarke 10-2 over the weekend in Sheffield.
The reigning UK and German masters champion will face either Shaun Murphy or Stephen Maguire in the second round of the World Championship.
Zhao led 7-2 overnight, and finished the job quickly in Sunday’s morning session. He wrapped up the victory in just three hours, with two centuries and six half centuries, becoming only the eighth Chinese player to win a match at the tournament.
“I know I got beat heavily but I really fancy him,” Welshman Clarke told reporters after his loss. “If he’s not going to win it this year he’ll win it in the next five years.”
Zhao has been working with legendary world No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan at Victoria’s Academy in Sheffield ahead of the World Championship, and “The Rocket” is predicting huge things for the 25-year-old.
“He could be the greatest of all time with his talent, his ability,” O’Sullivan told The Metro.
