Snooker has been plunged into further chaos after Yan Bingtao became the seventh player to be suspended amidst an ongoing match-fixing investigation.
Former Masters champion Yan was suspended by snooker bosses just before he was set to compete at the English Open in Brentwood. The world no.16's opponent Ashley Hugill was given a walk-over into the next round after the suspension was confirmed.
Yan is the highest profile star to be suspended after fellow Chinese players Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu were all banned from competing or attending events in the biggest match-fixing probe in snooker history.
The five players were suspended over allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes against WPBSA rules.
The suspensions came after former English Open champion Liang Wenbo was also suspended back in October over a probe into unspecified “allegations of misconduct”.
And Jason Ferguson, chairman of the WPBSA governing body, has now confirmed Yan is the latest star to be suspended from the tour.
"WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Yan Bingtao from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect," a 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. Yan Bingtao has the right to appeal this decision.
"No further comment will be made except in the event of any significant further developments."
