Snooker World Champion Zhao Xintong has revealed he has been struggling with a health issue that has seen him struggling to see the other end of the table in a worrying update.
Xintong became the first Chinese player to win a world championship as he lifted the trophy back in May.
He had to beat snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals before comfortably beating Mark Williams to win the final 18-12. But recently his form has not been to the same level, but he has now revealed it may be to do with health.
The 28-year-old offered an insight into his health as he revealed: “Now it’s better. A few days ago, the body was not very good, I was not well, but I just keep trying to get better. It was very tough.
Zhao Xintong has revealed he is struggling to see during matches
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“I’ve got some medicine, but the medicine makes me not concentrate.
“When I put my hand on the table, I’m a bit dizzy. When I have long pots, I can’t see anything. Now it’s better, but maybe in a few days later it will be alright. I tried to play well, but it was hard.”
Many expected Xintong to push on and win more events this season, but that has not been the case.
He has faced a slew of disappointments, with the latest coming in the ongoing Northern Ireland Open, where he was comfortably beaten in the first round, suffering a 4-0 loss to Jordan Brown.
Zhao Xintong has been on a very poor run of form after his world championship win
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Despite his struggles of late, the man coined “the Cyclone” remains confident that he can return to the form that saw him top the sport earlier this year.
He added: “I’m not really sad because I’m just trying to get better.
“Snooker’s a very tough game, but I’m just trying to learn and get better.
“I just tried my best today. I’m not worrying about that. Just maybe need a few days, or maybe one or two months and I’ll come back.”
Zhao Xintong is confident he will be able to come back stronger from the illness
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He made history when he became the first Chinese player to win at the Crucible.
On his way, he beat the 2024 champion Kyren Wilson, who was the latest champion to fall to the Crucible curse, as he crashed out in the first round.
While he may be taking time off to recover, fans can expect to see the Cyclone back in action for the International Championships in November.
