Snooker: Chen Zifan eighth Chinese player suspended in match-fixing probe

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第27届东南亚运动会缤纷花絮。裁判以手套擦亮桌球。
The 27th SEA Games in Myanmar lasted 11 days, but the preparations and logistical challenges involved in the build-up to the game was certainly an effort that lasted more than two weeks. The regional event took months of preparation and anticipation on all levels, from the athletes to the officials and media and last but not least, to the audience. This series of photographs gives a behind-the-scenes perspective of the bi-annual sporting event.

BILLIARDS & SNOOKER - The white gloved hands of a Billiards referee shine the snooker balls as and when the p[layers request them to be cleaned, and also prevents dirtying or smudging them.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association continues to look into allegations matches were manipulated for gambling purposes.

LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE PHOTO

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LONDON - Chen Zifan has become the eighth Chinese player to be suspended from the World Snooker Tour as part of a match-fixing investigation by the sport’s global governing body, it was announced on Friday.

The ban for the 27-year-old Chen, the world number 93, takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the investigation is concluded.

Chen, who reached a career-high ranking of 76 last year, has the right to appeal against this decision.

Earlier this month, officials announced

former Masters champion Yan Bingtao had also been suspended.

The Chinese world number 16 has been banned from attending or competing at events with immediate effect as the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association continues to look into allegations matches were manipulated for gambling purposes.

Five other Chinese players

– Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu – were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, with compatriot Liang Wenbo banned in October.

“WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Chen Zifan from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect,” said a statement issued on Friday.

“This decision is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes in breach of the WPBSA conduct regulations.

“The suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought... No further comment will be made except in the event of any significant further developments.” AFP



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