Zhao Xintong breaks silence on health issue that left snooker world champ 'unable to see'

Zhao Xintong has opened up on a health issue he has been forced to contend with at the baize. The 28-year-old has endured a tough season, despite winning the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in May.

Zhao became the first Chinese player to land the world title when he got the better of Mark Williams in the showpiece match in Sheffield following a semi-final victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan. The talented player also defeated Jak Jones, Lei Peifan and Chris Wakelin on his way to landing the trophy as he was tipped by some to enjoy a spell of snooker dominance. But he has failed to kick on since that tournament.

Zhao was knocked out of the Northern Ireland Open in the first round on Saturday as he was thrashed 4-0 by qualifier Jordan Brown.

And following that defeat, he addressed his health issue as he explained: "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."

Zhao will be desperate to overcome the problem and rediscover the form that saw him dispatch legendary player O'Sullivan 17-7 at the Crucible.

And the ace 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."

Brown is due to face Ashley Hugill in the second round of the Northern Ireland Open following his victory over Zhao.

Judd Trump is the favourite to win the title in Belfast after already securing his safe passage through to round three.

Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby and Kyren Wilson will also be eyeing silverware, with former world champion Luca Brecel exiting in the first round after failing to turn up for a Scottish Open qualifying match last week.

Snooker fans have not been able to get a glimpse of O'Sullivan at the Waterfront Hall, however, as the 49-year-old opted to skip the tournament.