Ronnie O’Sullivan advanced to the third round of the 2024 International Championship with a dominant 6-2 victory over China’s Zhao Xintong. The defending champion showcased his trademark style and unyielding composure, dispatching his opponent with precision and flair.
The match began with both players exchanging frames, but O’Sullivan quickly asserted control. In the opening frame, O’Sullivan produced a brilliant 78 break to take an early lead. Zhao, the 2022 UK Champion, fought back with a solid 74 break in the second to level the scores at 1-1. However, O’Sullivan’s experience and tactical acumen began to shine through as he reeled off the next three frames, with breaks of 71, 54, and 67.
Despite Zhao’s best efforts, O’Sullivan’s consistency proved difficult to match. The world number one demonstrated his ability to dictate the pace of the game, controlling both the long and short potting exchanges with his signature flair. Zhao struggled to find his rhythm, unable to string together significant breaks, while O’Sullivan capitalized on every opportunity presented to him.
With a 5-1 lead, O’Sullivan was in control, and although Zhao briefly showed signs of resistance by claiming the seventh frame with a 66 break, it proved to be little more than a consolation. In the final frame, O’Sullivan wrapped up the victory in clinical fashion, taking the match 6-2 with a composed 67 break.
This victory marks O’Sullivan’s steady progression in the tournament, keeping him firmly on track to defend his title. While the match was not without its challenges, his experience, skill, and mental toughness ensured that Zhao never truly threatened to overturn the deficit.
O’Sullivan will now face a tough opponent in the third round, where he will look to continue his pursuit of a record-extending 39th ranking title. With his potent combination of attacking play and defensive resilience, O’Sullivan remains one of the clear favorites to lift the International Championship trophy once again.
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