Snooker world champion Zhao Xintong has opened up about an ongoing health struggle that causes dizziness and impacts his vision while playing matches. The 28-year-old triumphed over snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan and defending champion Kyren Wilson en route to claiming the World Championship title in May.
His resounding 18-12 victory in the final against Mark Williams at the Crucible marked him as China’s first-ever world champion, setting high expectations for his performance this season.
Despite his historic win, Zhao has faced challenges in achieving favorable results recently. In the Northern Ireland Open, he suffered a surprising early exit in a 4-0 defeat by Jordan Brown. Zhao attributed his struggles to a health issue that emerged during the Xi’an Grand Prix but expressed optimism about his recovery.
Reflecting on his health concerns, Zhao shared, “A few days ago, I wasn’t feeling well, but I am determined to improve. It was a tough day for me.” He mentioned experiencing dizziness and vision problems affecting his gameplay but noted gradual improvement in his condition.
Remaining positive about his comeback, Zhao stated, “I’m staying positive. Despite some recent losses, I am focused on improvement.” He emphasized the challenges of snooker and his dedication to learning and progressing. Looking ahead, Zhao anticipates returning to form after a brief period of recovery.
Known as ‘The Cyclone’ for his rapid snooker style, Zhao is set to compete in the upcoming International Championship in Nanjing, China, where he will face Oliver Lines in the opening round. Following his world championship victory, Zhao has secured lucrative partnerships with brands like Hublot and Swiss Military, enhancing his status in the sport.
“I enjoy the opportunities that come with being a world champion. It motivates me to continue growing and learning,” Zhao expressed, reflecting on his journey to the top. Sky has introduced discounted packages for Essential TV and Sky Sports, providing extensive live sports coverage for the upcoming season, including a significant increase in Premier League matches.