Ben Woolaston 'Snooker career & life nearly lost due to Covid jab' Crucible Wed eve v Mark Selby

Snooker star Ben Woollaston suffered blackouts after Covid jab and during matches as he battles 'mystery illness'
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/uk-sport-news/ben-woollaston-mark-selby-snooker-10125967
Snooker star Ben Woollaston has recounted enduring blackouts during matches while grappling with an unspecified illness.
For several months, the 37-year-old struggled with the most basic tasks, such as standing or staying awake for any length of time. Despite these health challenges, which still remain undiagnosed, Woollaston admirably managed to maintain his status on the tour.
On Wednesday, he's set to take on local Leicester rival Mark Selby in a World Championship first-round match, marking his return to the event after a 12-year absence.
Although not officially diagnosed, Woollaston believes these health issues commenced following a Covid vaccination nearly four years ago. He's experienced some improvement but has yet to fully recover. "It's from the vaccine, it happened from that day, May 2021," he reflected earlier this season.
"I passed out after having it. I couldn't stand for about six months. I'd never passed out in my life but I had that same feeling for about six months. Standing in the garden, standing in the shower, I felt like I was going to pass out."
"I couldn't sleep enough. I literally woke up to eat because I was sleeping 18-20 hours a day. I put loads of weight on because I was just eating and sleeping. It was awful. I'd hit the ball and forget, just for a split second.
"I could miss absolutely anything, it was a bit of a lottery. I was playing with closed eyes on a few shots. I have it less frequently now but it's frustrating because it's unpredictable. I was in the top 32 for about six years in a row. I'd never thought about dropping off the tour but, at one time, I couldn't see how I could stay on."
Woollaston has candidly shared that even spending a few minutes playing with his children can tire him out; however, he's discovering ways to juggle his energy while competing, still harbouring ambitions of re-entering the top 32 ranks – currently holding the world number 44 spot.
"I never feel full of energy, ever," Woollaston, who is wedded to referee Tatiana Woollaston, admitted. "It's a struggle to play with my kids, although I try. My son's into cricket and I try to bowl to him. I'm not even running in but I'll bowl two or three overs, then need a lie down. Anything more than walking is a lot.
"Even after playing a snooker match, it's still difficult the next day. For matches, I just try and rest as much as I can. Before [the jab], I'd go out as much as possible. While touring, I'd do a lot of walking but it's probably risky for me to do that before a match now."
Despite undergoing an array of scans and tests, medical specialists have yet to pinpoint Woollaston's precise condition. He mentioned: "To be honest, they don't really have a clue. It's been hard on my wife. To be sincere, only my wife and my mum genuinely grasp what it's like.
"I probably wouldn't believe it if it was someone else [because], it's weird, isn't it? It's hard to understand because the specialists don't even understand it. They don't know what to do.