Snooker world champion Zhao Xintong has recently disclosed a health issue that causes dizziness and impacts his vision while competing. The 28-year-old defeated renowned snooker players Ronnie O’Sullivan and Kyren Wilson en route to claiming the World Championship title in May.
His dominant 18-12 triumph over Mark Williams in the final at the Crucible marked him as China’s first-ever world champion. With high expectations for Zhao this season, it comes as a disappointment that he has struggled to achieve positive results. At the ongoing Northern Ireland Open, Zhao faced an unexpected early exit at the hands of Jordan Brown in a 4-0 defeat.
Acknowledging his health setback, Zhao admitted that his performance in snooker has been hindered. He experienced the onset of his health issues during the Xi’an Grand Prix two weeks ago but is gradually feeling improvements.
Reflecting on his recent challenges, Zhao stated, “I encountered physical discomfort a few days ago, but I am persistently striving to recover. It was particularly arduous today.” He expressed difficulties in concentration due to the medication he is taking and mentioned feeling dizzy and struggling with long shots on the table.
Despite the setbacks, Zhao remains optimistic about his return to form, emphasizing his commitment to improvement. Known as ‘The Cyclone’ for his rapid snooker style, Zhao is set to compete at the upcoming International Championship in Nanjing, where he will face Oliver Lines in the initial round.
Following his world championship victory, Zhao has secured lucrative partnerships with brands like Hublot and Swiss Military, elevating his status in the sport. Embracing his newfound success, he emphasized the importance of enjoying life and continuous learning to enhance his skills.
As Zhao prepares to resume competitive play, fans eagerly await his performance in upcoming tournaments, including the International Championship. Sky has announced discounted TV packages ahead of the new season, offering a substantial number of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL.
