Ronnie O’Sullivan could face world champion Zhao Xintong in a potential rematch at the Shanghai Masters after the draw for the invitational event was made on Wednesday. O’Sullivan lost 17-7 to Zhao in the semi-finals at the Crucible last month, but is on the same side of the draw as Zhao as he chases a record-extending sixth title triumph in Shanghai. World No. 1 Judd Trump is defending champion.
Ronnie O’Sullivan could be handed the chance to gain a measure of revenge against Zhao Xintong at the Shanghai Masters after the draw for the elite event was made on Wednesday.
The invitational competition, staged from July 28-August 3, involves the top 16 in the world rankings with the four highest-ranked Chinese players and four amateur wild cards making up the 24-player field.
He will begin his quest for a sixth victory at the event on July 30 against Barry Hawkins or Wu Yize.
The winner of that match is in line to meet world No. 2 Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals, with Zhao a possible opponent in the semi-finals.
Zhao is set to end his suspension from competitive play in China on July 1, following his involvement in a match-fixing probe, and will face Chris Wakelin or a wild card in the last 16.
The new world champion could then take on compatriot Ding Junhui or the winner of Zhang Anda v Yuan Siijun for a possible meeting with O’Sullivan or Wilson in the semi-finals.
