FORMER UK champion Zhao Xintong has joined the list of players suspended from the World Snooker Tour during an investigation into alleged match-fixing.
Zhao, who beat Luca Brecel to win the UK Championship title at the York Barbican in 2021, has been banned from attending or competing on the Tour with immediate effect.
Former Masters champion Yan Bingtao and eight other Chinese players have already been suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
A WPBSA statement read: “This decision is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes in breach of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations.
“The suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought."
Zhao has the right to appeal this decision, the statement also said.
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