Snooker world champion Zhao Xintong has opened up about his ongoing health struggle that causes dizziness and impacts his vision while competing. Zhao, aged 28, secured victories over snooker icons Ronnie O’Sullivan and Kyren Wilson en route to claiming the World Championship title in May.
His dominant 18-12 win against Mark Williams in the championship final at the Crucible marked him as China’s first-ever world champion. Given this achievement, high expectations were placed on Zhao for the current season.
However, the Chinese player has faced challenges in achieving positive results. During the Northern Ireland Open, Zhao faced an unexpected early elimination at the hands of Jordan Brown, who secured a decisive 4-0 victory. Zhao attributed his struggles in snooker to a recent health issue that surfaced during the Xi’an Grand Prix, his hometown tournament.
Speaking after his defeat in Belfast, Zhao shared, “Recently, I have been unwell, affecting my concentration and causing dizziness when playing. My vision, especially for long shots, has been compromised. I am gradually recovering, but it remains a tough battle.”
Despite these setbacks, Zhao remains optimistic about his return to form, emphasizing his dedication to improvement. Affectionately known as ‘The Cyclone’ for his rapid snooker style, Zhao is set to resume competition at 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 sponsorships with renowned brands like Hublot and Swiss Military, elevating his status in the sport. Reflecting on his success, Zhao expressed his enjoyment of the newfound opportunities and his commitment to continuous growth.
Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the upcoming season, offering substantial savings for subscribers and an extensive lineup of live matches, including over 1,400 games across various leagues. The broadcaster will showcase a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches next season, a significant increase from previous coverage.
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