Nothing to separate Ronnie O'Sullivan and Zhao Xintong after semi-final opening session

Zhao took a 2-0 lead against the Crucible favourite and then finished impressively with a break of 86. 

RESPECT: Ronnie O'Sullivan shakes hands with Zhao Xintong before his match on day !3 of the Halo World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

Seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and first-time semi-finalist Zhao Xintong shared the spoils in a gripping opening session at the Crucible, tying 4-4 as they fought for a spot in the World Snooker Championship final.

O'Sullivan's pedigree and experience on the big stage did not deter Zhao, who took a 2-0 lead and then finished impressively with a break of 86 - the highest of the match to date - to leave things all square after the initial leg of their best-of-33 contest.