SNOOKER
Match fixing scandal: why were snooker players given lifetime bans?
Chinese players Liang Wenbo and Li Hang have been banned from the game the governing body revealed, with other players also sanctioned.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) announced on Tuesday that Chinese players Liang Wenbo and Li Hang have received lifetime bans for involvement in match-fixing.
Chinese snooker players blackballed
The governing body revealed that the duo engaged in various violations, such as manipulating snooker matches, enticing or influencing other players to fix matches, and placing bets on matches. The players have the option to appeal the decisions until June 20.
In addition to Liang Wenbo and Li Hang, eight other Chinese players have been handed suspensions. Among them is Zhao Xintong, a former UK Championship winner, who received a ban of one year and eight months. Yan Bingtao, the 2021 Masters champion, has been banned for five years.
WPBSA chair Jason Ferguson expressed his disappointment over the situation,.
“It has been heart-breaking to see some young talented players fall foul of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations through pressure exerted by two senior players.” He emphasized the gravity of their actions, stating, “This behavior has been recognized as wholly unacceptable by the imposition of two lifetime bans from participating in recognized snooker in any way.”