Young Zhao Xintong Surprises Ronnie O'Sullivan | 2016 English Open ‒ Snooker

Ronnie O'Sullivan and teen Zhao Xintong faced each other to perform a thrilling snooker match for the first time. Zhao is still little known among snooker fans and becomes a revelation there, stealing the show and the applause.
Talented young players like Zhao find it difficult to win titles as young players in the 1980s and 1990s. However, today's top 16 players set the bar too high, as their average 21-year career is the longest ever, opposed to the 10-year average in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Year Age* Pro**
1975 39 11
1980 38 10
1985 36 10
1990 32 10
1995 29 8
2000 28 9
2005 33 15
2010 31 14
2015 35 18
2021 38 21
(*) Age: Average age of the top 16 players.
(**) Pro: Average number of years as professionals.
That is not a problem, it's just reality, and young players have to deal with it. But, on the other hand, top player longevity brings enormous benefits to the game and keeps all generations of snooker fans delighted.
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Zhao Xintong, 2016 English Open - Last 64
The statistics shown in the video correspond to the date of the match.
Cesar Muroya created a unique editing technique to extract the essence of the game without losing the drama involved. Contextual information is also an innovation appreciated by viewers.
This format is not intended to substitute the full version but rather to make snooker more accessible to new fans. The fluency and atmosphere of the game stay in a shorter length video, allowing even experienced fans to enjoy snooker at any time.
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[@even1007]

Ronnie is zhao's idol.The young generation of outstanding players has a bright future!

[@mikengo9306]

Zhao's every shot is confident. A rising star and the trophy awaits him

[@HealthThroughNutrition]

What a great young player, definitely world #1 material for the future.

[@alessandrobertolone782]

Wtf 😹😹😹😹

[@FF-cz8sg]

He just won the UK Championship!

[@game4alaughman]

Agreed yeah he’s the best I’ve seen since Hendry

[@isaacpowrie465]

@@alessandrobertolone782 your reply aged like milk.

[@asifsaeed5044]

he is the best After judd trump

[@richarddarlington1139]

No doubt about it, the kid can play. Thank you, Cesar for another great video.

[@bobwhite8276]

Zhao, a wonderful, crisp, accurate player... Big things ahead... Go boyo!

[@jamesadcock5235]

U predict right

[@princesssafoorahsworld6240]

Not really

[@user-ui9sy5lo2f]

A new star is rising!

[@hafizsyed7304]

What a match… such a pleasure that Zhao was… confident and controlled player… what an opening game and then some excellent precision shots… people who play the game know,that this much control is something extraordinary….not easy

[@Zebness990]

Zhao Xintong could've played even better against any other player, but it wouldn't have had a similar impact as it did in this match against Ronnie O'Sullivan. That's incredible for young Zhao, but it's a testament to Ronnie's brilliance and the sheer impact that he's made on the game as a whole. The game-changing effect that a man can have on the game only once in a generation, a century or even in the entire history of the game, like Tiger Woods had on Golf, or Michael Schumacher on F1, Michael Jordan on basketball, Muhammad Ali on boxing and so on. The greatest of the greats.

[@Fame455]

The young lad is a beast

[@robertthorpe7007]

It looks to me that in no time flat Young Zhao will be the man to beat. I'd say that even at 19 he is almost on par with O'Sullivan, who is arguably the greatest player ever. God knows what he'll be like when he's 30. Incredible match.

[@brianbetz7030]

I think that if anybody can beat Ronnie's 5:08 perfect game record, Zhao can. He is just so smooth.

[@wilfredlim1061]

Clearance of table in one visit is a norm these days. The champions are the ones who make the least or no mistakes regardless of age! Great that Ronnie O'Sullivan is planning or has opened a Snooker School in Singapore. We have had Joe Davis, Alex Higgins, Steve Davis, Mike Ferrara from India playing at Singapore Cricket Club some years ago...on our ONE PIECE SLATTED TABLE. Whilst we have our World Billiards Champion

[@wilfredlim1061]

...Chris in our midst!

[@wilfredlim1061]

Cheers!

[@kennethtalbott2233]

looking forward to seeing more of this young fella.

[@jhongabrielcorreasandoval4715]

Soy un afisionado y tambien me crie en una masa de pool billar grasias Dios los bendiga y les de mas sabiduria y entendimiento los logros y triunfos dediqueselos a jehova de los ejercitos y vera el cambio en sus vidas jesu cristo los Ama amen a tt john correa

[@ruffryder8125]

I found this channel recently and im hooked. I saw a lot of it live and its good to get to see it again

[@williamburdon6993]

Great young player

[@tsechumanja4903]

It was great to watch him get Ronnie under pressure. But it was sad to watch how Luca defeated him. But thn Luca ended up winning the trophy. This tournament was great to watch overall. Watched it many times. Thanks to Ceaser.

[@3niknicholson]

I've seen this a few times already: still lovely to watch for the quality of Xintong's cueing and the look of pleased amusement on Ronnie's face as he sees a young natural talent effortlessly carving them up as he, Ronnie, himself did as a youngster.

[@mohammedyacinebouacida1712]

Zhao is the new kid on the block , shame it's not the best of 19 , You can see Ronnie's full admiration !

[@uhegbu]

As this Chinese player has just been crowned UK champion in a tournament full of surprises (Sunday 5th December to be precise and commiserations to Belgium's Luca Brecel in Sunday night's final), this was Zhao in the 2016 English Open and nearly gave Ronnie a fright. A year later, Sunny Akani nearly did in a UK Championship match. Zhao's UK win on Sunday ensured that the last three titles have gone abroad. Ronnie O'Sullivan remains the last player from the Home Nations to win the UK title (2018).

[@Fluron]

As someone who has no idea what this game is The information written in between was very helpful!!

[@peterjongsma2779]

What a clearance. Zhao is on fire.

[@MrGiovanniPollio]

Best snooker channel. Why did it look the KZbin algorithm so long to advise it to me?

[@damianhallsworth2092]

Watching this after he won the UK. Good luck to him

[@nevermind2074]

😢😢😢😢😢😮😮😅2 1:21 1:21

[@ribomalbee7619]

When Ronnie retires he must coach Zhao Xintong.He'll be the best ever.

[@techprofessional3892]

Zhao impressive, classy and confident

[@EannaButler]

"Trophies are sure to come over time as he gains more experience" - you called it Cesar!

[@gaope123]

我喜欢他, the way he cues , perfect!

[@franks4986]

Zhao carries a sense of effortlessness with him… rare to see, a pity with his competition ban

[@NylonStrings83]

Wow I am so impressed by that Chinese teenager

[@anieukra2506]

Watching this, after seeing him live on German Masters last Sunday 😮👍 He is so calm sitting in his corner almost freezing and waiting for his turn, and than just like butterfly moves around table, and brings awesome shots… 9:0 was really impressive 🔥

[@gregoryconnor9333]

Who are you talking about.

[@anieukra2506]

@@gregoryconnor9333 Zhao Xintong - I saw him in Berlin on Sunday

[@willengel2458]

Zhao, Yan, and Zhou stay and train togetner in Sheffield, UK.

[@uhegbu]

@@gregoryconnor9333 Zhao Xintong from China, the surprise winner of the UK Championship. He has all the qualities of surpassing what his compatriot Ding Junhui did when he was in the world's top sixteen for many years. China have yet to win the world title, Ding came close in 2016.

[@syedshujaat1844]

That 9:0 whitewash was sheer brilliance. He is star in the making.

[@mustafamansortahir6862]

Champion in the making - Zhao. Good match✅

[@mohdfadlyahamid9435]

It is very close, very well play from the young man!!

[@alsstewart8583]

Great player who us defo up n coming n another lefty to add👌👍🙏

[@muhammadzaid9660]

plz make a video of shaun murphy vs neil robertson 2009 wsc semi final . It was one of the best match i ever watched

[@jojoistyle9265]

คนจีนคนนี้เยี่ยมมาก ต่อไปต้องอยุ่ต้นๆของโลกแน่นอน

[@harkarajbhutani8439]

Zhao Xintong was giving flashback of young ROCKET.

[@christopherturvey1955]

This is really well edited. Thankyou for your effort

[@cahg3871]

I was impressed with Zhao-calm demeanour which lead to good shot selection and excellent potting skills.This was a good match.

[@ashwinchand1072]

Watching him after winning uk championship 🏆 n German masters❤️👌

[@khawarabbasi6624]

great Zhao 🤗

[@puks23031]

What a great showdown by the young fellow. It's no joke to keep calm and Ace a frame considering he's up against one of the best.

[@V-Odyssey]

THE best *

[@traditionalsunni629]

3:48 perfect question mark on the table.

[@mariamalik4810]

???

[@dimcilanga6774]

It was amazing match

[@markhaldane.9820]

The 2 best players 👌

[@HashimMohammed_8BP]

He’s now Ronnie’s favourite player

[@sampurnthakuri7990]

More than 100 times I am watching this video but it's make me cry,, better luck next time zaho

[@Fikry-Elfassakh]

Bravo Sullivan .

[@nebula3989]

I would love to see more of this young talent ☺️👍🏻

[@user-dn7bm4ye7d]

ผมชอบการแทงคุณ. ความรู้สึกและนิสัยครับ. มาจากใจ

[@shashankashura1654]

future ronnie playing with the present ronnie....🙂❤❤👌👌

[@ranger70]

The Chinese are focused. Great match

[@bibhushanrajthala]

Future no 1

[@poisonousguy9723]

Great start...awesome hats up 👍👍👍

[@nimeshpatel4572]

This was a surreal match to watch, at a blink it was like watching 2 Ronnie's. Zhao doesn't #### around when he plays, he plays with purpose and power, great cue action as well. Like Ronnie he also plays by the sword and with vulnerability, of which makes him very watchable too. Of course since then he's shown his class with 2 great tournament wins and has done quite a few demolition jobs. If anybody wondered where the next Ronnie was going to emerge from - this kid is it.

[@Handlethis.96]

My god this young player can hang with the best. I heard Stephen Hendry said he now works as a coach in China. Perhaps these players are the results of his handy work. I can see some of his similar style in some young Chinese players.

[@olracardevaas7035]

Zhao is legendary!!!

[@aim....]

That young Chinese player got skills! Just a bit more excited n emotional but that’s fine I guess! he’s 19! n 2 centuries to O’Sullivan! Great 👍🏻

[@Enpassantful]

Very close match, gave Ronnie a bit of a scare I’d say.

[@tnluvais2699]

You beauty...indeed this kid is a rising star ⭐ treat to watch.

[@ansershah97]

Zhao is fully international player i wish he world champion very zooon

[@AliHassan-fb8oo]

What a great video. I haven't seen any video with those little snippets at the bottom telling you what exactly is happening there. I never understood that free ball rule but today. I have never this much enjoyed watching a snooker video. Nice one dude!!!

[@CesarMuroya]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iweoldtimer]

As usual... Great content. I loved seeing your videos. Well done and keep it up! I'm your subscriber since 2019

[@CesarMuroya]

Thanks iwetimer x!

[@roman_thepi_mp735]

Nice profile picture

[@jarvisshan7196]

fabulous

[@naajiibutt8747]

Both were well played..👍👍👍

[@judgetk8327]

That young lad is going to be a good player down the road. Ronnie has so much experience but missed a couple he normally wouldn't. Good game.

[@droceretik]

He already is a good player.

[@judgetk8327]

@@droceretik Yes he is. But I meant extraordinary player.

[@FF-cz8sg]

Zhao just won UK Championship!

[@hjsalmanhjmohdrashid204]

G-Snooker Centre O'Sullivan The Best England Snooker Men Since 2015 - 2023

[@nongothungtungoe9180]

5:30 man....the cue control,😲😲🤩 I edit to add that at 5:41 Ronnie went for the pink, not the easy black ..that's how the game change.. He is just a genius in this sport😲😲

[@mehranlar9278]

A huge 2á to d

[@zainahmad5809]

Ç

[@superstrangerstar26]

Excellent Shots....Excellent Match.....Love from Pakistan...!!!!!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

And raising his fist to thank the audience in the cheap, distant seats. Call it decency, call it class! J.

[@rjsampsonrs]

*Your snooker channel is the one others strive to be like..great editing as always pal! Respectful bow*

[@rocketosullivan5587]

The way zhao control the cue ball look similar with ronnie gameplay. The different among them is just which hand they use to play. But ronnie is rare because he can play both hand. 😆

[@Inugami0622]

I heard some of my Snooker friends saying that Zhao said that he was Ronnie's fan, which he mimicked the way Ronnie would control the cue ball

[@adiljutt4332]

Ronnie vs Future Ronnie !! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@toinhodosopao1407]

Vi toda a partida e ouve falhas incríveis de ambos que não se perdoa quando se trata de jogadores nesse nível mas o jogo foi pau a pau e esse garoto se se dedicar nós amantes da sinuca teremos mais esportista dessa modalidade para nos presentear com seu talento 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@FrancisLee-fo5cp]

Good match show for both.

[@hyperactive99999]

im surprised this kid hasn't won any ranking tournament, great to watch

[@zeusjermaine6550]

Surprise no more

[@haitham_alomari_666]

هذا اقوى غيم ل روني مع زاو الصيني ، ما شفت حماس و تحدي مثل هيك ابد في مباريات روني

[@vivek95pv14]

It's Ronnie not rooney

[@bibhushanrajthala]

To win against a champ and having a quick play like roonie..this lad is already a champ!

[@don_pedrot.isreal7446]

Great play by the youngstar, still needs to work on his nerves and confidence tho

[@floatingfreedom6091]

Well done young man . Great snooker

[@tanvirmunir7420]

I love you Ronnie o Sullivan

[@yousafzaiaa7453]

Hard to believe that this young star was so close to defeat Ronnie... had he not missed that pink, things would have been otherwise. But experience has its own worth. Roninie knows how to keep calm under pressure and this paid off

[@digvijaysinghnegi9635]

The last was 😍

[@haseebhamidi9919]

This young dude has some real talent - Ronnie was seriously under pressure

[@josevillegas560]

Zhao is very impressive when it comes to get down the pockets

[@Santu2409]

Very good editing !

[@shahzadhussain1392]

ronnie i m your fan you r genious

[@user-ys2si2yw3z]

เด็กคนนี้อนาคตไกลแน่ๆ

[@MohammedAli-1]

Thank you Cesar for providing us with such amazing content 👍🏽

[@MohammedAli-1]

Just out of interest Cesar I'm intrigued to know if you play, and what your average break is 😁

[@CesarMuroya]

I played pool for many years (narrow pocket 9ft tables) and three-cushion billiards, not professionally but as an almost full-time hobby :)

[@MohammedAli-1]

@@CesarMuroya Cool. I take it then that you're half decent, at the very least 😁 👌🏽

[@diy8263]

Very good skill.

[@sokhaschool7123]

The best

[@chrisnicholls391]

and nearly 6 years later he finally won something in the only final he has ever played in while being a pro for nearly 6 YEARS, still a long way from being touted as 'the next great player'

[@brianbetz7030]

Well, with his talent he has certainly taken awhile. The final today will give a pretty good indicator if he has "arrived".

[@johnmccaughey2722]

The days of winning majors at a young age are gone imo. O sullivan won the uk when he was 17 and hendry won the worlds at 21 which is unlikely to happen these days due to the depth of talent that young players are up against. Guys like xintong will start to dominate around the age of 26/27. The class of 92 still being around is also making it tough for these guys as they can still play to a high standard and knock the young players out of the early rounds of tournaments.

[@rachedhamed5966]

Tooop💯💪

[@AZ-ul5tw]

history created, young asia player defeated the professional English snooker

[@johncgibson4720]

Wow. In Ronnie's face. Just wow.

[@user-dg9kg1oc5j]

เก่งแต่กันไม่เก่ง

[@davidchang5862]

Without a doubt, Zhao XinTong is the new incarnation of Ronnie. His style and techniques basically replicate the man from the UK

[@antoniomatiasgomes8340]

Esse jovem joga muito

[@braga1948]

Vai ameaçar os grandes

[@munsifbhai8955]

Good 100/:

[@ricecake7987]

Well played zhao xintong

[@TheJohnsonJohnny]

Nice video Cesar :) Nice treasure you bring to us :)

[@hinsamnang]

amazing

[@tonyhakan3359]

It’s always hard playing against some one who is way younger than you Gave Ronnie a hard time there. Well done to young Ronnie

[@tonycrossley7950]

Nice