Former Masters winner Yan Bingtao suspended by WST as investigations grow

Yan Bingtao has joined a list of players suspended from the World Snooker Tour as a major crisis in the sport grows.

A statement from the WST said the former Masters winner has been suspended as it conducts an investigation into "allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes".

It read: "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 suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. Yan Bingtao has the right to appeal this decision.

"No further comment will be made except in the event of any significant further developments."

He joins fellow Chinese players Liang Wenbo, Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu in being temporarily banned from competing.

Lu, the current world number 41, is a former UK Championship semi-finalist who reached the final of the Championship League earlier this year.

Li, Chang, and Liang are also ranked in the top 100.

Yan is the most high-profile player to be suspended, currently inside the world's top 16.

He is due to play Mark Williams in the Masters in January.