Ex-World Snooker Championship Quarter Finalist received a ban on life after scandal

Liang Wenbo was one of 10 Chinese Snooker players who were suspended as part of the greatest corruption scandal in sports in 2022. Two of them received lifelong prohibitions

Liang Wenbo, once a promising snooker player, was permanently deported from sport after being sentenced to match fixations for several crimes. The 38-year-old former star was suspended in 2022 as part of the greatest corruption scandal in the history of Snooker, in which nine other Chinese players also took part.

Yan Bingtao, Chen Zifan, Zhang Jiankang, Bai Hangning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo and Chang Bingyu were among the other players, including 2025 World Cup finalists Zhao Xintong. The World Professional Billard and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has published suspenders of 20 months and five years and four months to eight players.

But the toughest punishments were reserved Liang and Li, who received lifelong bans from snookers.

Liang broke on stage for the first time in 2008 when he made an unexpected run for the quarter -finals of the World Championships, where he lost 13: 7 against Ronnie O'Sullivan. During his career, he won a ranging title that came to the English Open in 2016 when he defeated Judd Trump.

However, his career ended abruptly because the claims or participation in the repair of five snooker games between July and September 2022, for which he was later found guilty, was found.

It was also found that he encouraged players to fix nine games and violate additional rules by placing bets on games.

Liang, who reached a career best ranking of No. 11 in 2016, was 72th in 72th place when his ban was enforced. It was later announced that he had threatened another player and could not work with the examination of the ranking exchange and at the same time deleted news from his phone, reports the Express.

“This was a very complex case,” said Jason Ferguson, Chairman of WPBSA. “It was heartbreaking to see how some young talented players behave the WPBSA regulations by printing two high -ranking players.

“This behavior was recognized as completely unacceptable by the imposition of two lifelong to take part in recognized snooker. Those who try to corrupt sport constantly try to find new ways to avoid our surveillance processes, and this result must be considered a lesson for those who can avoid recognition.

“If a player is involved in the determination of a snooker match, he will be caught and are suspended.

“The WPBSA will continue its strong attitude towards those who are trying to manipulate sport, and today's result sends a clear message that the agreement is not tolerated in snooker.”

Zhao, who is currently in the crucible finale in front of Mark Williams, was able to celebrate a comeback in September 2024 after a 20-month prison sentence in September 2024. Although the Chinese star was not found to remedy a match directly, he admitted that he was involved in the match fixing of another player while placing personal bets on games.

He was also hit for the costs with a fine of £ 7,500. Zhao won his first title and the first triple crown title at the 2021 UK championship when he defeated Luca Brecel 10: 5 in the final. His second victory came to the German champion in 2022 when he defeated the Chinese player Yan Bingtao.