Ronnie O’Sullivan posts classy message to 16-year-old rival as he looks to extend amazing Master of Shanghai record

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN posted a classy message to his 16-year old rival after defeating him.

Zhou Jinhao was making his debut at the Shanghai Masters and came up against 'The Rocket' in his first round.

O'Sullivan defeated him 6-1 in their match.

He then took to Instagram to praise Zhou after their game.

He wrote: "Love being back here in Shanghai!

"Well played to Zhou, he’s a great young talent who has an exciting future ahead of him."

O'Sullivan then continued his dominance in a 6-3 victory over Junhui Ding, with Ding ranked eighth in the world.

O'Sullivan has an outstanding record at the Shanghai Masters.

The last time he was beaten at the tournament was in 2016, when he was downed by Michael Holt in the second round.

Testament to his unbelievable longevity, O'Sullivan has gone on to win two World Championships and three UK Championships since then.

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In contrast, Holt became an event ranking winner, dropped off the tour, became an amateur and has now returned to the professional ranks.

The last time O'Sullivan lost in Shanghai, Theresa May had recently become Prime Minister and Sam Allardyce was still in charge of England.

He is the current favourite with the bookies to win the Shanghai Masters - which would make it five successive wins.

His next game will see him go head to head with Judd Trump.

The game will take place at 7am UK time.