Two Chinese snooker players named Liang Wenbo and Li Hang received lifetime bans for match-fixing. The announcement is made by the World Professional Pool and Snooker Association (WPBSA). The governing body took action against the two when it learned that they were involved in setting up snooker matches. Liang and Li have until June 20 to challenge these decisions.
Alongside Liang and Li, eight other Chinese players have also faced disciplinary measures. As part of the disciplinary measures, Zhao Xintong, who before won the UK Championship, has received a ban of one year and eight months. So, Yan Bingtao, the reigning champion of the 2021 Masters, has received a more severe penalty with a ban lasting five years.
When asked about his disappointment, WPBSA Chair Jason Ferguson said, "It has been heartbreaking to see some young, talented players break the WPBSA Conduct Regulations due to pressure from two senior players. the issuance of two-lifetime bans from taking part in sanctioned snooker. recognizes that this behavior is completely unacceptable in all contexts.
The WPBSA's decision serves as a stern warning to those who believe they can evade detection while engaging in match-fixing. The association emphasizes that it will impose severe penalties on any player involved in such activities.
Also to the lifetime bans, Liang currently ranked 72nd in the world, and Li, ranked 71st, have been instructed to pay £43,000 (US$53,000) in costs.
Unraveling the Match-Fixing Scandal:
An investigation into the match-fixing crackdown was launched in August 2022 after the International Betting Integrity Association advised officials of suspected match conditioning. The WPBSA Integrity Unit conducted a thorough investigation into the matter in collaboration with Sportradar.
Liang colluded in fixing or influencing the results of five snooker matches between July 24 and September 28, 2022, it was established during the takeover. The panel also found that between July 24 and December 13, 2022, the 36-year-old had helped or encouraged other players to fix nine games. Liang was also found to have engaged in dishonest conduct. Liang was attempting to delete evidence-gathering messages from his phone.
Similarly, Li was found to have fixed or been a party to fixing five snooker matches between July 24 and September 29, 2022. The WPBSA also discovered that Li had solicited, induced, or encouraged players to fix seven matches between July 24 and December 13, 2022. Moreover, Li was involved in betting on snooker matches. He attempted to cover up his match-fixing activities by deleting messages on his phone.
Yan Bingtao, currently ranked 23rd in the world, admitted to fixing four matches he played in and also betting on snooker matches.
Although most players implicated in the scandal admitted their involvement in match-fixing. it is worth noting that Zhao Xintong, ranked 11th in the world, acknowledged being complicit in another player fixing two matches. Also, he confessed to betting on snooker matches.
The WPBSA's firm actions against the players involved have a clear goal of upholding the fairness of snooker. While also sending a strong message that match-fixing will not be tolerated.
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