Zhao Xintong suspended as snooker scandal grows with 10 players now temporarily banned

The number of players suspended from the World Snooker Tour has risen to 10 as Zhao Xintong and Zhang Jiankang join eight players already temporarily omitted from the sport.

Chen Zifan was banned last month following Yan Bingtao, Liang Wenbo, Lu Ning, Li Hang, Bai Langning, Chang Bingyu and Zhao Jianbo amid an investigation into match-fixing.

No charges have been brought as the WST look into the matter.

The suspension of Zhao is another blow to the sport ahead of the Masters. He had been due to play Mark Selby on Sunday.

The 25-year-old won last season's UK Championship and has been tipped as a future world champion.

Yan, a former Masters winner, has already been replaced in the event because of the suspension in what is one of the biggest occasions in the snooker calendar.

A statement from the WST read: "The suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. Both Zhao and Zhang have the right to appeal this decision."

The governing body also confirmed that the wider investigation involving all of the players is "at an advanced stage, and it is anticipated will be completed shortly at which point any potential charges will be considered".