LONDON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) chairman Jason Ferguson has strongly condemned the manipulation of young players, asserting that such behavior is entirely unacceptable. This statement follows the lifetime bans handed down to two Chinese snooker players for match-fixing.
On Tuesday, the WPBSA released a statement confirming that 10 Chinese players faced charges related to match-fixing. Among them, Liang Wenbo, aged 36, and Li Hang, aged 32, received lifetime bans from participating in snooker competitions.
The remaining eight players received varying degrees of suspension. Yan Bingtao, the 2021 Master champion, was given a five-year ban until December 11, 2027. Zhao Xintong, who boasts two ranking titles, received a suspension of one year and eight months, valid until September 1, 2024.
Ferguson expressed his view on the bans, stating, "It is crucial to acknowledge that bans range from lifetime to lesser sanctions. The imposition of lifetime bans in these particular cases is highly appropriate."
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, he further remarked: "In my opinion, the behavior exhibited by senior players, who have substantial experience and regularly manipulate younger and more vulnerable players, is completely and unequivocally unacceptable. I am pleased that the commission and tribunal treated such behavior with due seriousness."
The investigation into match-fixing began in August 2022 after an alert was raised, prompting the WPBSA's integrity unit to take action. Interviews with players suspected of involvement in betting activities were conducted, leading to the seizure of mobile phones, banking data, and telephone records. Incidents of match-fixing, some dating as far back as seven or eight years, came to light.
Ferguson revealed that they "closely monitor global betting markets, so we remain aware. It's important to note that this issue is not exclusive to snooker. Despite the magnitude of the problem today, I would venture to say that our sport is one of the cleanest in the world."
Highlighting his main concern, Ferguson emphasized the need to protect younger players from manipulation. "We recognize that there will always be individuals outside of sports who attempt to exploit those within. This is an ongoing challenge in every sport worldwide. We must strive to safeguard our own. That is the crux of the matter. We need to be knowledgeable about the individuals surrounding players, coaches, managers, agents, and their bases of operation. It is crucial to possess that level of information," he stated.
Ferguson commended the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association for their unwavering support throughout the process. "They have been fantastic collaborators, working alongside us under the auspices of the sports authority of China since the beginning. There is no intention to sweep this issue under the rug within our sport," he affirmed. "We have no interest in hiding anything. We expose everything, address the problems head-on, and ensure resolution. That is precisely what we have done this time."
When discussing the prospects of banned players returning to the tour, Ferguson acknowledged the challenges involved. "The majority of our players are understandably furious about this, as it affects their livelihood. As the governing body, we strive to mitigate the damage by addressing these issues," he explained.
"However, it is important to note that we have an independent tribunal commission established to handle these matters, preventing any interference with the outcome. We must respect the decisions reached by this commission, and the players must do so as well."
"If players wish to return, they would likely face the challenge of going through qualifying structures. They would essentially have to start from scratch. It is an arduous task for anyone involved, and it is undoubtedly a regrettable situation," he concluded. ■
