Match-fixing hits snooker as 10 players suspended | Sunday Observer

Match-fixing hits snooker as 10 players suspended

15 January, 2023
Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao and Liang Wenbo are among the players suspended
Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao and Liang Wenbo are among the players suspended

As snooker prepares to host one of its showpiece tournaments, the sport is in the midst of its biggest ever corruption investigation.

Ten Chinese players, including two that had been due to play in the Masters which starts on Sunday, have been suspended as part of the match-fixing inquiry.

A decision on whether charges will be brought is expected in the coming weeks.

An investigation is looking into “allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes”.

It was started last year by the integrity unit at the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

In October 2022, Liang Wenbo was the first player suspended as part of the WPBSA investigation - over unspecified misconduct claims - and nine others have since been suspended.

Most of the players - several of whom were based in Sheffield - have not commented publicly on the allegations, although Wenbo has reportedly denied match-fixing.

The inquiry is described as being at “an advanced stage” and further suspensions are not anticipated, although the situation is fluid.

A decision must be made whether to bring charges against any or all of the players.

If there are charges, the cases will be heard by an independent panel, chaired by a senior barrister. (BBC Sport)

 

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