Sunny Akani contracted Covid-19 in July last year. As restrictions across England come to an end, his story is a reminder that many people are still severely affected by the virus.
By Oliver Slack
“If I practise too much I feel dizzy, I get mind fog and sometimes loss of memory,” said Akani. “I talk to my wife and I can’t remember what I said. I lost a few matches recently so I tried to practise more, what I used to do, seven or eight hours. But my body felt so tired, sometimes when I line up the shot my vision is not clear.
“There is more pressure, it is making me feel depressed. Some nights when I sleep, it’s not good sleep. Sometimes I wake up and I sleep for only four hours. Sometimes I have bad dreams, I’m dreaming I am going to play in a match. Right now, I’m talking with my dad and a doctor to help. It’s helped me try to think more positive.”
Currently sitting 60th in the provisional end of season rankings, Akani faces a battle to remain inside the top 64 and keep his tour card at the end of the campaign.
Five years ago, Akani looked like one of snooker’s best up-and-coming prospects. At the 2017 UK Championship, he whitewashed Barry Hawkins 6-0 before a narrow 6-5 defeat to Ronnie O’Sullivan in the last 16. Since then he has struggled to make a breakthrough on the circuit.
“Right now I’m not setting a target,” said the former Asian Under-21 Champion. “I’m still suffering with long Covid and depression. My health is more important. I’m trying to focus on my body first right now and if my body is getting better, I think I can show I can play better on the table.
“I know what I can do but when I go to play in a match, my health is not allowing me to play well. I’m just trying to feel more relaxed and hope I get better and I can show what I can do.”
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