Two more Chinese snooker players suspended in match-fixing investigation
Zhao Xintong and Zhang Jiankang join list of pros banned for allegedly manipulating matches for betting purposes
China’s Zhao Xintong and Zhang Jiankang have become the latest players to be suspended from World Snooker Tour amid a wide-reaching match-fixing probe.
Zhao, who is ranked number nine in the world, is the highest-ranked player to be caught up in the investigation that has so far seen 10 Chinese players suspended by the sport’s governing body, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
The other eight Chinese nationals being investigated for manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes are former Masters champion Yan Bingtao, Liang Wembo, Li Hang, Lu Ning, Bai Langning, Zhao Jianbo, Chang Bingyu and Chen Zifan.
Yan, who is ranked 16th in the world, was removed from the Masters, which starts this weekend at Alexandra Palace in London and will be broadcast on the BBC, and he was replaced by Dave Gilbert.
Zhao’s suspension means he will now also miss the Masters, and other tour events until the conclusion of the probe.
He was due to play Mark Selby this Sunday. Although it has yet to be confirmed, Iran’s Hossein Vafaei is expected to take Zhao’s place.
Zhao, who turned professional in 2016, secured his biggest victory to date in 2021 when he won the UK Championship in York after defeating Luca Brecel 10-5 in the final.
He is also the reigning German Masters champion after whitewashing compatriot Yan 9-0.
A WPBSA statement relating to the latest suspensions read: “WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Zhao Xintong and Zhang Jiankang from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect.
“This decision is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes in breach of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations.”
The governing body added that the suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or until any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. Both Zhao and Zhang have the right to appeal the decision.
It was also confirmed that the wider investigation is now at an “advanced stage”, and it is anticipated this will be “completed shortly at which point any potential charges will be considered”.
“No further comment will be made at this time, except in the event of any significant further developments,” the WPBSA added.
Yesterday, 2 January, Ferguson said in an interview that the investigation was “progressing quickly” but that lifetime bans are unlikely for any player found guilty.
In December, following the news of Yan’s suspension, 2005 World Champion Shaun Murphy called for any snooker player found guilty of match-fixing to be banned for life.