Ronnie O'Sullivan urged to retire immediately as Zhao Xintong dominates World Snooker Championship session

O'Sullivan had gone into the session hoping to continue his charge towards a record eighth World Championship title.

But Zhao was excellent on Friday, with the Chinese star producing a flawless performance as he won eight frames in a row.

O'Sullivan is capable of turning things around but, at the current moment in time, looks a faded force compared to his young rival.

And snooker fans on social media have called on the 49-year-old to give up the game, having struggled for consistency over the past 12 months.

One user wrote: "Ronnie O'Sullivan is finished just retire with grace absolutely awful out there."

A second said: "Think O'Sullivan will retire after this."

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And another weighed in by saying: "Time for Ronnie O'Sullivan to retire when he can't even be a***d trying to play the right shots etc just give it up."

Other snooker fans were unimpressed by O'Sullivan's attitude during the showdown.

"I think it's fair to say that Ronnie O'Sullivan threw the towel in when it went 9-4.. attitude was disgusting. Fans won't be happy with him," stated one person.

Another added: "What odds on Ronnie O'Sullivan to pull out the match?"

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And a third questioned: "Has any other sports person been more self sabotaging than Ronnie O’Sullivan?"

The match between the two players will resume on Friday evening.

But all signs point to O'Sullivan exiting the competition, with the 49-year-old looking a shadow of the player that has dominated for so many years.

Snooker legends were left stunned by Friday's action, with Ken Doherty telling the BBC: "We've seen Ronnie O'Sullivan does this to opponents, but now the shoe is on the other foot.

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"Ronnie is probably a little bit embarrassed about what's happening out there.

"He's not fighting. He could have come to the table and played some snookers but is not bothering and that's worrying."

John Virgo stated: "It's been absolutely wonderful from Zhao Xintong. Eight frames played and he's won all of them.

"Take a bow, Zhao. Ronnie O'Sullivan will have been impressed with that performance, but not with his own."

And John Parrott added: "This has been absolutely brilliant from Zhao Xintong. We are used to giving the man sat in the chair the plaudits but this has been absolutely fabulous from Zhao.

"Ronnie has not been at the races but boy has Zhao played well."