Ronnie O’Sullivan says Zhao Xintong ‘reminds me of my son’ and opens up on how he practises

Ronnie O’Sullivan says Zhao Xintong reminds him of his own son and that he wants to see the Chinese player to “show the world” what he is capable of.

The Rocket has been helping Zhao practise to sharpen his skills and has previously stated the 25-year-old could become the greatest snooker player of all-time.

“Xintong reminds me of my son,” O’Sullivan said on Our China Stories. “I look at him and he reminds me of my little boy Ronnie.

“I have this father protection of him, I want to see him do so well. He’s such a great talent, such a lovely boy.

“I just love to see him show the world how wonderful he plays the game which he plays in the most beautiful style.

“I have a really good connection with him. I always tell him ‘You are the boss. I am here to help but if you tell me to be quiet, I will be quiet’.”

He has won two invitational events though, the Hong Kong Masters and Champion of Champions, and still has a comfortable lead as world No. 1.

The seven-time world champion says when he practises, he does so for up to three hours because he “can’t improve” his game.

“I just need to keep fresh and be in a good place so when tournaments come my mind is clear,” added O’Sullivan.

“When you’re first starting out there’s dedication, hard work and as you get a bit older you have to work out how to get the best out of yourself.

“I always make notes about my practice. I have a diary because if you keep it in your head, you can’t keep track of everything.

“So I write things down and can look at a pattern to see this works, that doesn’t. I have my own template and formula which works for me.

“It’s up to the individual to work out what works for them so it’s important to be disciplined and detailed with everything you do.”

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