Snooker players charged in match-fixing investigation

In recent months, the WPBSA has issued suspensions to a number of players as part of ongoing investigations into match-fixing and betting on snooker. 

WPBSA rules strictly prohibit all players from placing bets on snooker matches, while any approaches or reports of match-fixing or other corruption should be reported to the WPBSA at the first opportunity. 

The WPBSA said 10 players have a case to answer for, including former Masters champion Yan Bingtao of China, who was charged with fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour (WST) and betting on snooker.

Zhao Xintong was charged with the same offences, while Chen Zifan, Bai Langning, Chang Bingyu and Zhao Jianbo were also charged with fixing a match on the WST.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiankang was charged with fixing a match on the WST, failing to report approaches for him to fix matches and betting on snooker matches. The WPBSA also charged Liang Wenbo with fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the WST, seeking to obstruct the investigation and failing to cooperate with the WPBSA probe.

In addition, both Li Hang and Li Ning were charged with fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the WST, as well as seeking to obstruct the WPBSA investigation and betting on snooker matches.

“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,” the WPBSA said.

The 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 by the WPBSA.