Hossein Vafaei included in 2023 Masters draw after Zhao Xintong suspension as part of match-fixing investigation

World Snooker Tour have confirmed that Hossein Vafaei has been brought into the 2022-23 Masters draw as a replacement for Zhao Xintong, who was suspended earlier in the week as part of the on-going match-fixing investigation.

The WST confirmed on Tuesday that former UK Championship winner Xintong was suspended along with Zhang Jiankang, taking the total number of suspended players up to ten.

Neither player chose to challenge the suspension so Xintong’s place goes to the next eligible player, which is Vafaei.

He becomes the first Iranian to ever play at the Masters and will face Mark Selby in his tournament debut.

Vafaei is the second player to be invited in after the initial draw with former champion Yan Bingtao also suspended as part of the investigation. David B Gilbert was his replacement.

The statement from WST on Vafaei’s inclusion said “Hossein Vafaei has been awarded a place in the 2023 Cazoo Masters and will face Mark Selby in the opening round at Alexandra Palace in London on Sunday January 8th at 7pm.

“Vafaei directly replaces Zhao Xintong, who was suspended by WPBSA on January 3rd and has decided not to appeal the suspension.

“Vafaei was 18th in the world rankings at the cut-off point for the Cazoo Masters so he is the next player in line. Vafaei will make his Masters debut and will become the first player from Iran to compete in the event. The Cazoo Masters runs from January 8 to 15.”

The 2023 Masters will take place at Alexandra Palace in London from January 8-15.