Snooker world champion Zhao Xintong has disclosed an ongoing health issue that causes dizziness and impacts his vision while competing. The 28-year-old triumphed over snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan and defending champion Kyren Wilson en route to clinching the World Championship title in May.
His decisive 18-12 win in the final against Mark Williams at the Crucible marked him as China’s first-ever world champion, raising high expectations for Zhao in the current season.
However, the Chinese star has faced challenges in achieving favorable results. During the Northern Ireland Open, Zhao faced an unexpected early exit, losing 4-0 to Jordan Brown. Zhao attributed his performance setback to a health scare that began during the Xi’an Grand Prix but mentioned feeling an improvement in recent days.
Speaking to Metro after his defeat in Belfast, Zhao shared, “A few days ago, I wasn’t feeling well, but I am determined to recover. Today was very challenging.” He described struggling with concentration due to medication side effects, leading to dizziness and vision issues during matches.
Expressing optimism about his return to form, Zhao stated, “I’m staying positive. Despite recent losses, I am focused on improvement.” He acknowledged the tough nature of snooker, emphasizing the learning process and his commitment to bounce back in the coming days or months.
Known as ‘The Cyclone’ for his fast-paced snooker style, Zhao is set to compete in 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, enhancing his status in the sport and emphasizing his enjoyment of the newfound success.
Sky has introduced discounted prices for its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, offering substantial savings and an increased number of live matches, including over 1,400 games across various leagues. Sky plans to broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches next season, a significant rise from previous seasons.