Zhao Xintong warns Ronnie O'Sullivan and rivals as he looks to conquer Crucible

Zhao Xintong believes he has returned to the sport stronger than when he was banned.

The Chinese potter, 28, was ranked inside the world's top ten when he was suspended for 20 months for betting on matches.

Former UK champion Zhao, one of ten Chinese players at the event, won four qualifying matches just to return to the Crucible and blew away last year's finalist Jak Jones 10-4 in the first round.

And impressive Zhao, who made a break of 142 and nine other breaks over 50, said: "I'm playing really well. I think I'm stronger than two years ago.

"I practiced almost every day when I wasn't playing.

"I'm not surprised that I'm back there. I had that trust in myself because I've done it before.

"I enjoy playing here a lot. I'm not scared of the venue."

World No.16 Jones was the fourth seed to crash out.

And he said: "I think he'll be hard to stop.

"I don't see anyone who is better than him in the tournament. It wouldn't surprise me if he won it."

Elsewhere in the world of snooker, Jak Jones has fiercely defended his playing style against the criticisms from Judd Trump and Stuart Bingham, labelling their complaints as "pathetic" after he defeated them on his way to his maiden World Snooker Championship Final.

The 2024 tournament has witnessed Jones' surprise ascent as he prepares to face Kyren Wilson for the crown, following a hard-fought victory over 2015 champion Bingham in the semi-finals.

His deliberate play has attracted negative comments from some top players, including Trump and Bingham, who have attributed their defeats to Jones' strategic approach, claiming it disrupted their rhythm.