Zhao Xintong: Snooker world champion reveals health battle leaving him dizzy and unable to see

Zhao Xintong became China’s first snooker world champion in May, beating the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals before hammering Mark Williams 18-12 to clinch the title

Snooker world champion Zhao Xintong has revealed an ongoing health battle that leaves him feeling dizzy and affects his eyesight during matches. Zhao, 28, beat snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan and reigning champion Kyren Wilson on his way to winning the World Championship in May.

His emphatic 18-12 victory in the final against Mark Williams at the Crucible made him China’s first ever world champion. It’s no surprise, then, that big things were expected of Zhao this season.

Unfortunately for the Chinese star, he’s found it difficult to pick up results. During the ongoing Northern Ireland Open, Zhao suffered a shock first-round exit against Jordan Brown, who romped to a comfortable 4-0 whitewash. But Xhao has revealed that his snooker has been adversely affected by a health scare. It started two weeks ago during the Xi’an Grand Prix, his home tournament, but Xhao is beginning to feel 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 today,” the 28-year-old told the Metro following his defeat in Belfast.

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“I don’t know how to say in English. 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.”

Confident that he’ll return to form soon, Xhao went on to say: “I’m enjoying it. You can see recently I’ve lost a few matches but 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.”

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Xhao, who’s nicknamed ‘The Cyclone’ thanks to his lightning-fast style of snooker, is scheduled to be back in action at the International Championship which takes place early next month in Nanjing, China. He’s been drawn to face Oliver Lines in the opening round.

Since his world championship win, Xhao has signed lucrative deals with the likes of Hublot and Swiss Military, increasing his star power and making him one of the sport’s biggest names. “I like that. Enjoy the life,” he added.

“When I became the world champion everything is different so I just try to enjoy that and get better. When I worked to become the world champion, I feel that I can get better, there are a lot of things I need to learn.”