Snooker champion Zhao fights back to 8-8 draw in Crucible thriller

LONDON – Defending world champion Zhao Xintong recovered from a deficit to level his quarter-final match against Shaun Murphy at 8-8. The showdown at the Crucible Theatre saw Zhao finish the evening session with a strong flourish. The two rivals are now deadlocked ahead of the deciding frame. In the night’s other last-eight match, Mark Allen and Barry Hawkins are also tied at 8-8.