Snooker in match-fixing scandal as TEN stars are charged in sport’s biggest corruption storm

SNOOKER has been dragged into the gutter as TEN Chinese players were charged with match-fixing offences.

Allegations include manipulating the outcome of results, approaching players to cheat, betting on snooker and failing to report any concerns to authorities.

Triple Crown winners Yan Bingtao and Zhao Xintong are the highest-profile names caught up in the sport’s biggest corruption scandal.

Following a three-month investigation by integrity chiefs, the 2021 Masters champion Bingtao, 22, has been charged with “fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour and betting on snooker”.

Former UK Champion and world No.9 Zhao Xintong, 25, has been charged with “being concerned in fixing matches” and also placing bets.

Liang Wenbo – who was first suspended in October – faces accusations of fixing matches, approaching players to fix matches and seeking to obstruct the investigation.

Li Hang, Lu Ning, Zhang Jiankang, Chen Zifan, Chang Bingyu, Zhao Jianbo and Bai Langning all have charges to answer in the coming weeks.

All ten stars – who are innocent until proven guilty – remain suspended “from attending and competing” in governed events until the conclusion of any hearing.

Anyone found guilty of the charges against them is likely to face lengthy bans away from the table.

Some players have returned home to China so the group hearing may end being conducted via Zoom.

An independent disciplinary tribunal will now be convened but officials are determined for it to be concluded before the start of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible on Saturday April 15.

SunSport have approached the representative for Bingtao and Xintong for comment as well the Ding Junhui Academy in Sheffield where several players train.

World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson said: “This is a heart breaking situation. By the end of the season, it must be done.

“We want to make sure the players have a fair amount of time to assess the position and be represented.”