World Snooker Championship set to take place at the same time as suspended players’ hearing
Crucible Theatre in Sheffield
This year’s World Snooker Championship will take place in the shadow of an independent disciplinary hearing involving the 10 players who are currently suspended on charges relating to match-fixing.
Snooker's world governing body, the WPBSA, has confirmed that the hearing, chaired by Ian Mill KC, will start on April 24, the second Monday of the 17-day tournament which culminates in the champion being crowned on May 1.
Former UK champion Zhao Xintong and ex-Masters champion Yan Bingtao are among the 10 Chinese players who face a range of charges that could result in them being handed lengthy bans from the sport.
The WPBSA confirmed in a statement: "The players will remain suspended until the outcome of the Independent Disciplinary Hearing is published.
"They will therefore not participate in any remaining World Snooker Tour events during the 2022/23 season, including the 2023 World Snooker Championship."
Zhao, who is currently ranked number nine in the world, is the only one of the suspended players who would ordinarily have been granted an automatic place in the first round of the tournament.
He faces charges of being concerned in fixing matches on the tour, and betting on snooker, while Yan has been charged with fixing matches and betting on snooker.
The other players facing charges are Liang Wenbo, Li Hang, Lu Ning, Zhang Jiankang, Chen Zifan, Chang Bingyu, Zhao Jianbo and Bai Langning.
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
