SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The World Snooker Tour has suspended Yan Bingtao with immediate effect as part of an ongoing investigation into match-fixing.
The 22-year-old world number 16 champion is the sixth Chinese player to be suspended in the past two weeks, following action taken by World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) Chairman Jason Ferguson.
The governing body said in a statement: “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.”
Other suspended players include: Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu.
Bingtao, who became the youngest Masters champion in 26 years when he defeated John Higgins in the final last year, has the right to appeal against the decision.
Bingtao had been due to play in the English Open this week but Ashley Hugill, his first-round opponent, was given a walkover.
He was also due to play Mark Williams in the first round of the 2023 Masters at Alexandra Palace in January, but it is extremely likely that he will no longer feature and will be replaced in the draw.
Following the scandal, professional snooker player Shaun Murphy has called for any player who is found guilty of match-fixing to be ‘terminated’ from the sport.
Very happy to stand behind my quotes on this topic. I may be old fashioned but when it comes to match fixing I believe we need a zero tolerance policy. Otherwise cheats will continue to exploit the sports good nature. https://t.co/8P0sASev7O
— Shaun Murphy (@Magician147) December 13, 2022
