World snooker champion Zhao Xintong has revealed a health battle that leaves him dizzy and unable to see clearly during matches. The 28-year-old Chinese star, who won the World Championship in May, suffered a shock first-round exit at the Northern Ireland Open against Jordan Brown.
Zhao explained that his illness began two weeks ago during the Xi'an Grand Prix. He told the Metro: 'A few days ago the body was not very good, I was not well. 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.'
Despite the setback, Zhao remains confident he will return to form. 'I'm just trying to get better. Maybe need a few days, or maybe one or two months and I'll come back,' he said. He is scheduled to play at the International Championship in Nanjing next month.
Zhao, nicknamed 'The Cyclone', became China's first world snooker champion after beating Ronnie O'Sullivan, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Williams at the Crucible. Since his triumph, he has signed lucrative deals with Hublot and Swiss Military.
