The World Pool and Snooker Federation (WPBSA) has announced that ten Chinese snooker players have been suspended for match-fixing. Two of them, Liang Wenbo and Li Hang, will never be able to play again, according to Reuters.

Liang WenboPhoto: Taka Wu / Alamy / Alamy / Profimedia

Liang Wenbo and Li Han banned for life for participating in match-fixing for betting

Wenbo, 36, and Hang, 32, were found guilty of fixing snooker matches, persuading or encouraging other players to fix matches and betting on matches, among other offences. They have until June 20 to appeal the sanctions.

A further eight players were banned, the most notable being Zhao Xintung (former UK Championship winner – 1 year and eight months) and Yan Bintao (2021 Masters winner – five years).

Zhao’s suspension will end on September 1, 2024, and Yana’s on December 11, 2027, Agerpres writes.

“It was painful to see some talented young players break the WPBSA Code of Conduct under pressure from two senior players. This behavior was found to be totally unacceptable by imposing two lifetime bans from participating in any recognized snooker competition” – Jason Fergusonpresident of the WPBSA.