Snooker’s biggest EVER match-fixing hearing will begin on Monday
Snooker’s biggest ever match-fixing hearing begins Monday with TEN suspended Chinese players awaiting their fate… as ex-WST chief Barry Hearn insists the sport must accept bad press if it stamps out corruption
- The largest match-fixing hearing in snooker history begins on Monday
- The future of ten Chinese players who are currently suspended will be decided
- Barry Hearn believes the hearing paints a bigger picture of corruption
The largest match-fixing hearing in snooker history begins on Monday with 10 Chinese players facing a series of charges that could lead to lengthy suspensions.
But while former World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn regrets that the issue could detract from the world championship, he insists there is a bigger picture – with governing bodies willing to accept bad headlines to stamp out corruption.
He said: “It is very unfortunate that this match-fixing hearing is starting during the World Cup. I would have preferred it to be cleaned up as soon as possible.
“I don’t want to prejudge any decision. But even if some are found guilty and banned as a result, and we get injured in short order and lose some players… what a statement from the balls of World Snooker.
‘I can tell you now, there are many other sports clubs that would not do what we do here.
Ex-World Snooker Tour chief Barry Hearn believes the hearing makes an impressive statement
Former UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong (left) and Masters winner Yan Bingtao (right) are among 10 currently suspended Chinese players set to appear at the historic hearing
‘I’m actually proud that we have a system, with the integrity cell.’
The 10 players, all currently suspended, include former UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong, Masters winner Yan Bingtao and former UK Championship finalist Liang Wenbo.
The other seven are Lu Ning, Li Hang, Chen Zifan, Chang Bingyu, Zhao Jianbo, Zhang Jiankang and Bai Langning.