China star Luo Hongchao admits he cannot wait to take on idol Ronnie O’Sullivan in the English Open after he overcame Neil Robertson.

Australia’s Robertson made a blistering start to proceedings after taking a 1-0 lead but he was soon pegged back. Luo won the next two frames before then eventually sealing a 4-2 success.

The 18-year-old has grown from strength to strength since winning the WSF Championship earlier this year. He reached the last eight of a ranking event for the first time and his wins over Adam Duffy, Stuart Carrington, Anthony McGill and Robertson have given him a lift.

China’s latest young snooker talent Luo Honghao beat Neil Robertson 4-2 at the BetVictor English Open to earn a quarter-final with his idol Ronnie O’Sullivan. Luo admits Thursday’s success was the biggest of his career and he admits he cannot wait to take on ‘The Rocket’.

“It’s my biggest win,” he told World Snooker. “I enjoyed being out there in front of a lot of people. Ronnie has been my idol since I started playing snooker. I am so excited about playing him and I hope I can pot at least one ball. I’m not sure if I can beat him but anything can happen.

“I will try my best and enjoy it. I can’t believe I have the chance to play him – I’m so happy.”

O’Sullivan, 4.20 to win the UK Championship, reached the final eight of the event at the K2 Arena in Crawley after overcoming Scotland’s Eden Sharav. The Englishman secured the win thanks to top breaks of 76, 72, 59 and 72.

When asked about his next contest, he told reporters: “Eden is a good player and a tough competitor so I knew I needed to play decent stuff.

“I am working on my sighting at the moment so every match is a chance to get more comfortable and take my game to a higher level. I was watching Luo on the next table and he is a proper talent. He is the real deal.”