Snooker match-fixing: Two given lifetime bans, Yan Bingtao suspended for five years among raft of punishments

Two players have been given lifetime bans among a raft of match-fixing punishments handed out by the independent WPBSA (World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association) Disciplinary Commission. Liang Wenbo and Li Hang are the two players to receive lifetime bans from the sport, while Yan Bingtao has been suspended for five years, a ban that was reduced following early admissions and his plea of guilty. Ad Yan is a former Masters champion having won the triple crown event in the 2020-21 season.

Zhao Xintong was given two year and six months suspension, reduced following early admissions and his plea of guilty, to one year and eight months. Zhao is a former UK Championship winner. Snooker'So many emotions' – Burden regains World Snooker Tour place after winning thrillerAN HOUR AGO WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: «This has been a very complex case.

It has been heart-breaking to see some young talented players fall foul of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations through pressure exerted by two senior players. »This behaviour has been recognised as wholly unacceptable by the imposition of two lifetime bans from participating in recognised snooker in any way. «Those who try to corrupt sport are constantly trying to find new ways to avoid our monitoring processes and this outcome must be taken as a lesson to those who think they can avoid detection.

»If any player is involved in fixing a snooker match, they will be caught and will face severe penalties. “I am pleased that the Commission found that they did not see from the present case 'any evidence of a wider culture of wrongdoing in snooker'. «The WPBSA will continue its strong stance against those who try to manipulate sport and today’s outcome sends out a clear message that