It has been announced on Wednesday that all ten Chinese snooker players who were under investigation for breaches of conduct have been charged.
The charges vary from fixing matches, betting on snooker, and seeking to obstruct the investigation process.
Zhao Xintong and Yan Bingtao are two of the most high-profile Chinese snooker players on the disgraced list.
Zhao, the UK champion in 2021, and former Masters winner Yan are current members of the top 16 in the world rankings.
Former English Open champion Liang Wenbo, who was the first player to be suspended in October, is also a notable name at the centre of the sport’s biggest ever scandal.
All ten players will be suspended pending the outcome of subsequent hearings.
The WPBSA Statement
“Following a detailed investigation by the WPBSA Integrity Unit, working closely with Sportradar, the WPBSA has decided that ten snooker players have a case to answer in respect of the following alleged breaches of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations.”
“Liang Wenbo has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and failing to cooperate with the WPBSA investigation.
“Li Hang has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.
“Lu Ning has been charged with fixing a match and being concerned in fixing matches and approaching a player to fix a match on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.
“Yan Bingtao has been charged with fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour and betting on snooker.
“Zhao Xintong has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour and betting on snooker.
“Zhang Jiankang has been charged with fixing a match on the World Snooker Tour, failing to report approaches for him to fix matches and betting on snooker matches.
“Chen Zifan has been charged with fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour.
“Chang Bingyu and Zhao Jianbo have each been charged with fixing a match on the World Snooker Tour
“Bai Langning has been charged with being concerned in fixing a match on the World Snooker Tour.
“The players are currently suspended from attending and competing on the World Snooker Tour and in other WPBSA governed events until the conclusion of the hearing or hearings and the determination of this matter.
“This matter will be referred to a formal hearing before an Independent Disciplinary Tribunal that will take place at a venue and on a date to be confirmed.”
Featured photo credit: WST
Most chinese are corrupt in all sports. Get rid of these parasires.
Most chinese are corrupt in all sports. Get rid of these parasites.