Zhao Xintong is the topic of more snooker controversy ahead of his potential world title, and Ronnie O'Sullivan has made his feelings clear.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is supporting Zhao Xintong
Ronnie O'Sullivan has picked his side amid fresh controversy surrounding Zhao Xintong, who is closing in on becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship. Zhao thrashed O'Sullivan 17-7 in the semi-finals to book his spot in the Crucible showdown against Mark Williams, who ousted world No. 1 Judd Trump.
The 28-year-old leads Williams 11-6 ahead of the closing sessions on Bank Holiday Monday and is just seven frames away from making history. Zhao, the former world No. 7, will also be the first amateur to clinch the famous trophy if he goes all the way after a 20-month suspension following an investigation into match-fixing.
He accepted charges of being a party to another player fixing two matches and betting on matches himself, but earned his spot back on the professional tour through the Q Tour.
Zhao's amateur status has sparked a debate regarding his potential prize money, which would have a major impact on the rankings.
The world champion will receive £500,000 for winning the tournament, which would launchpad Zhao among the elites.
A triumph over Williams would see the Chinese potter breach the top 16 and push Ali Carter out of select events that feature the top-ranked players.
During the final on Sunday, 1997 champion Ken Doherty claimed a number of the players on the tour weren't happy with Zhao's earnings contributing to his ranking as an amateur.
Zhao Xintong is closing in on the world title.
"The big question at this point is about the prize money," Doherty explained as part of the BBC's coverage.
"A lot of players are a bit up in arms about it. The rules might have been changed. If he wins the Championship, he keeps the prize money when it should be going to scratch when he picks up his tour card."
O'Sullivan doesn't appear to be among the players who feel aggrieved by Zhao's possible arrival in the top 16.
After the world No. 5 tasted a brutal defeat in the semis, he claimed that Zhao going the distance would only be a good thing for the sport.
O'Sullivan said: "I think it would be amazing. I think if he did win, he would be a megastar.
"He's still very big in China as it is. But if he becomes world champion, it would just be amazing for snooker and for his life as well.
"He can definitely get over the line. I think he'll have more of a test [in the final]. That will be a proper test for him.
"He played great. You have to give credit where it's due. We've got a really nice relationship. I'm always trying to help him if I can."
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