Vafaei replaces Zhao Xintong in Masters after Chinese player opts not to appeal ban

Hossein Vafaei has replaced Zhao Xintong in this week's Cazoo Masters.

Vafaei will face Mark Selby in the opening round at the Alexandra Palace in London on Sunday at 7pm.

Zhao was cut from the tournament due to a suspension imposed by the WPBSA earlier this week and has decided not to appeal.

It relates to an investigation into match-fixing with 10 players now temporarily banned from the sport. No charges have been brought at this time.

Yan Bingtao was already taken out of the competition last month and replaced by David Gilbert.

Vafaei was 18th in the world rankings at the cut-off point for the Masters so was next in line to compete.

He will become the first player from Iran to feature in the tournament.