Yan Bintao, ranked 16th in the world, has been suspended from the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect. The Chinese athlete is accused of involvement in the bookmaker mafia: it is about fixing some games.

Yang BintaoPhoto: Colin Poultney / imago sportfotodienst / Profimedia

Yan Bintao, accused of participating in match-fixing

“This decision is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of match-fixing for betting purposes,” the official World Snooker Tour website said.

Bingtao was scheduled to play in the first round of the English Open on Monday against Ashley Hugill (No. 98). The Englishman wins the game without showing his opponent.

22-year-old Yang Bintao won The Masters in 2021 (the most important title of his career) after a final with John Higgins (10-8) and is one of the most promising new wave players in the snooker world.

According to Eurosport.co.uk, the WST suspended five more players: Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Lanning and Chang Binyu.