Lengthy bans expected in snooker match-fixing probe led by WPBSA with ‘sanctions imminent’ – report

Liang Wenbo, Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao, Lu Ning, Zhang Jiankang, Li Hang, Chen Zifan, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu were suspended at the outset of the year as the sport’s authorities probed “allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes”.

• Liang Wenbo has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and failing to cooperate with the WPBSA investigation.
• Li Hang has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.
• Lu Ning has been charged with fixing a match and being concerned in fixing matches and approaching a player to fix a match on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.
• Yan Bingtao has been charged with fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour and betting on snooker.
• Zhao Xintong has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour and betting on snooker
• Zhang Jiankang has been charged with fixing a match on the World Snooker Tour, failing to report approaches for him to fix matches and betting on snooker matches.
• Chen Zifan has been charged with fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour.
• Chang Bingyu and Zhao Jianbo have each been charged with fixing a match on the World Snooker Tour
• Bai Langning has been charged with being concerned in fixing a match on the World Snooker Tour.

The Times says former UK and German Masters champion Zhao Xintong remained in the UK for last month’s disciplinary hearing with the other nine men returning to China.

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson had previously confirmed that ignoring the strict betting rules in the sport can lead to up to a lifetime ban.

“It is impossible for me to give an outcome. It is up to that independent sports tribunal to make that decision and we and both sides will have to abide by that decision.

“Clearly, there are going to be various charges laid against those players.”

Tournament organisers World Snooker Tour released a statement explaining the course of action taken after Liang was suspended from participating in English Open qualifying in October amid “allegations of misconduct”.

“This follows the suspension of Liang Wenbo on 27 October 2022 and a subsequent investigation which remains ongoing into allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes in breach of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations.

“The suspensions of all six players will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. These players have the right to appeal this decision.

“The investigation remains ongoing, and no further comment will be made until the investigation is complete.”

“This follows an initial investigation of irregular betting patterns reported to the WPBSA on the match between Mark King and Joe Perry at the Welsh Open on 13th February 2023.

“The suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. Mark King has the right to appeal this decision.”