Lengthy bans expected in snooker match-fixing probe led by WPBSA with 'sanctions imminent' – report

Several players caught up in a match-fixing probe by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) could face lengthy bans with some stretching to years, according to The Times newspaper. Liang Wenbo, Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao, Lu Ning, Zhang Jiankang, Li Hang, Chen Zifan, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu were suspended at the outset of the year as the sport's authorities probed «allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes».

Ad The WPBSA in January laid out each charge or charges against the 10 players as follows: SnookerLisowski looking to make his mark after taking spot at UK Open pool championship18 HOURS AGO Liang Wenbo has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and failing to cooperate with the WPBSA investigation. Li Hang has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.

Lu Ning has been charged with fixing a match and being concerned in fixing matches and approaching a player to fix a match on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches. Yan Bingtao has been charged with fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour and betting on snooker.

Zhao Xintong has been charged with being concerned in fixing matches on the World Snooker Tour and betting on snooker Zhang Jiankang has been charged with fixing a match on the World Snooker Tour, failing to report approaches for him to fix matches and betting on snooker matches. Chen Zifan has been charged with fixing