Snooker’s world champion, Zhao Xintong, recently disclosed his ongoing health struggles that cause dizziness and impact his vision while playing matches. Despite his notable victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan and Kyren Wilson en route to winning the World Championship in May, Zhao has faced challenges this season.
In a remarkable 18-12 triumph against Mark Williams at the Crucible, Zhao became China’s first-ever world champion, setting high expectations for his future performances. However, at the Northern Ireland Open, Zhao encountered a surprising early exit at the hands of Jordan Brown, who secured a convincing 4-0 win. Zhao attributed his recent poor results to a health issue that emerged during the Xi’an Grand Prix but expressed optimism about his recovery.
Following his defeat in Belfast, the 28-year-old shared, “A few days ago, I was feeling unwell, but I am determined to improve. I faced significant challenges today.” Zhao elaborated on the impact of his health problem on his snooker game, mentioning struggles with concentration and dizziness during matches.
Despite the setbacks, Zhao remains positive about his return to form, stating, “I’m staying positive. While I’ve faced some losses recently, I am focused on improvement.” Looking ahead, Zhao, nicknamed ‘The Cyclone’ for his rapid play style, is gearing up for the International Championship in Nanjing, where he will face Oliver Lines in the opening round.
Since clinching the world championship title, Zhao has secured lucrative sponsorships with brands like Hublot and Swiss Military, enhancing his status in the sport. Reflecting on his journey to becoming a world champion, Zhao emphasized the importance of continual growth and learning.
As Zhao prepares for his upcoming competitions, fans eagerly await his resurgence in the snooker arena. Sky has also rolled out discounted TV and sports bundles in anticipation of the new season, offering an extensive lineup of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL.