Lu Ning is among the players banned from the World Snooker Tour (Picture: Getty Images)
Five players have been banned from the World Snooker Tour due to ‘allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes’ with Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu all suspended.
These bans have come about after Liang Wenbo’s suspension from the tour in October and the investigation which arose, meaning six players in total are now barred from playing.
A WPBSA statement read: ‘WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect.
‘This follows the suspension of Liang Wenbo on 27 October 2022 and a subsequent investigation which remains ongoing into allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes in breach of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations.
‘The suspensions of all six players will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. These players have the right to appeal this decision.
‘The investigation remains ongoing, and no further comment will be made until the investigation is complete.’
On 27 October it was confirmed that Liang had been suspended, but it was not announced that it was over match-fixing.
A WPBSA statement at the time read: ‘The WPBSA has today suspended Liang Wenbo from attending or competing in WPBSA sanctioned events.
‘This is due to an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct. The suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
‘The WPBSA will not comment further until the investigation is complete.’
More to follow…
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The five suspensions follow Liang Wenbo’s ban in October.
