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GINX TV > News > Overwatch

Dallas Fuel's Xzi retires due to scoliosis complications

The Korean DPS player was touted as a promising rookie last year delivering incredible performances for the Paris Eternal before injuries cut his season short.
By Andrés Aquino | 
First Published April 13, 2021, 18:11
Dallas Fuel's Xzi retires due to scoliosis complications

Ki-hyo "Xzi" Jung, former DPS player for the Paris Eternal in the Overwatch League and Element Mystic in Contenders, has announced his sudden retirement from competition amid struggles with scoliosis and forward head posture. 

The announcement was made via Dallas Fuel's official Twitter account, a team that recently acquired Xzi from the Eternal during a complete roster revamp that saw the Envy-owned franchise switch from a mixed to a full Korean roster.

Dallas Fuel on TwitterWith heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce @Xzi_ow’s retirement for this season. However, player health will always be our top priority. We will be rooting for him every single day and wish him the best in his treatments and future. Thank you Xzi. 💙 pic.twitter.com/TXWtZ5qVCW— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) April 13, 2021Dallas FuelTwitter

Last year, Jung had to return to Korea, missing a huge part of OWL 2020's schedule due to "severe neck pain." Xzi revealed that this aggravated the situation as he opted to return and finish the season with the Eternal instead of seeking further treatment.

"My health was just as bad when I was with Paris, I really forced myself back then and occasionally got treated at the hospital, but I think that actually made it worse."

A big factor in Xzi's decision to step back from the competition is that he wants to focus solely on recovering, as he has reached a point where he "can't handle the routine."

"I couldn't spend time working out due to practice so it became worse and worse."

Will Xzi return to the Overwatch League?

xzi retiring from owl
Xzi playing for Paris Eternal during OWL 2020 (Picture: Overwatch League)

For the Korean DPS player, coming back to OWL is very much his goal after overcoming his injury, and despite calling it a retirement, he doesn't want fans to think of it as a permanent one.

Xzi on TwitterIf my health recovers, I can return to the league at any time. It's not 100% retirement ...— Xzi (@xzi_ow) April 13, 2021XziTwitter

According to reports, Xzi is still under contract with Dallas Fuel and could make his return for the fifth season of OWL in 2021.

Team owner, Mike "Hastr0" Rufail, was saddened to see Xzi go without debuting with Dallas Fuel and confirmed plans of an upcoming signing in the DPS department, particularly a hitscan specialist, to fill Jung's boots. 

The Overwatch League is set to return for its fourth season this upcoming 16th April. Check out everything you need to know about it in our detailed OWL 2021 guide.