SNOOKER world champion Zhao Xintong has opened up on the illness that has left him struggling to see the other end of the table.
Zhao became China’s first world champion in May after beating snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals before thrashing Mark Williams 18-12 in the final.
Much was expected of the 28-year-old this season but he has been slow to deliver results.
His latest disappointment came in the ongoing Northern Ireland Open where he went out in the first round, suffering a 4-0 loss to Jordan Brown.
However, the world champion revealed his poor form is down to a health scare that started two weeks ago in the Xi’an Grand Prix.
He said: “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.
“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.”
But the man dubbed “the Cyclone” remains confident that his good form will return, adding: “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.
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“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.”
He made history at the Crucible this year after becoming China‘s first world champion.
On the way he dethroned 2024 winner Kyren Wilson, who became the lastest reigning champ to fall victim to the Crucible curse after being knocked out in the first round.
The Cyclone is set to be back in action for the International Championships next month.
