A snooker prodigy who defeated three world champions to secure a £250,000 prize continues to be barred from the sport. Yan Bingtao was one of 10 Chinese players slapped with bans in June 2023 following a match-fixing scandal that shook the snooker world.
The penalties varied, with now-world champion Zhao Xintong also hit with a ban of one year and eight months, while Liang Wenbo and Li Hang, pinpointed as the masterminds behind the operation, were handed lifetime bans after being found guilty of multiple offences. These included match-fixing and coercing other players into manipulating matches. Of the remaining eight players, five, including Yan, are still serving their suspensions. Yan was banned for five years for rigging four matches and betting on several others between 2016 and 2022. His initial seven-year and six-month ban was reduced due to his early admission and guilty plea.
The scandal put the brakes on Yan’s promising career. He had already clinched the Masters in 2021, one of the sport’s most sought-after titles.
Competing in a behind-closed-doors event in Milton Keynes, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Yan defeated three world champions. Neil Robertson, Stuart Bingham and John Higgins all fell to him.
At just 20, Yan became only the second Chinese player to win the tournament after Ding Junhui in 2011. He was also the youngest ever player to secure the prestigious invitational event since Ronnie O’Sullivan did in 1995.
Yan caused quite a sensation at the 2022 World Championship too. He defeated four-time champion Mark Selby in the second round and nearly reached the semi-finals before a narrow 13-11 loss to Mark Williams in the quarters.
However, the 25-year-old won’t return to professional snooker until at least the 2028/29 season due to his ban lasting until December 2027. Zhao Xintong, Chang Bingyu and Zhao Jianbo have already completed their suspensions.
Chang is set to rejoin the pro tour next season after winning the Asia-Pacific Championship following the end of his suspension in December last year. Zhao Jianbo’s ban ended last month.
Following his 17-12 victory over Williams in the Crucible final, Zhao Xintong has become a celebrated figure in snooker and a hero in his home country.
Reflecting on his time away, which ended in September 2024, Zhao said: “I had nearly two years not playing in tour competitions and that’s why I said my first target was to get through qualifying to the Crucible.”
He added: “I can’t believe I went on to be champion, but I am back now and I want to keep going.” Zhao’s victory over Williams marked his ninth in the tournament, setting a new record for any world champion.
Since his return from suspension, Zhao has racked up a remarkable tally of 47 victories in 49 matches.
