Zhao Xintong was dumped out of the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open in the first round by Jordan Brown on Sunday but is not worried about a string of disappointing results since becoming world champion.

The 28-year-old has struggled for wins since his amazing triumph in Sheffield in May, yet to go beyond the last 16 of a ranking event this season.

The Cyclone’s underwhelming run continued in Belfast when he was beaten 4-0 by the Northern Irishman in the opening round.

However, he has been under the weather of late, saying he is better than he was during the recent Xi’an Grand Prix, but is still not at full fitness.

‘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 today,’ Zhao told Metro after defeat to B

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