World Snooker chairman Steve Dawson is confident the sport can move forward from an investigation into match-fixing – but warned corruption will continue to be stamped out.
Following a disciplinary enquiry by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Liang Wenbo and Li Hang were banned from snooker for life.
Eight other Chinese players – including 2021 Masters champion Yan Bingtao – were suspended for between five years and four months, in the case of Lu Ning, to one year and eight months for Zhao Xintong.
While commending the WPBSA for the thoroughness of the “very complex” and independent investigation, Dawson accepted it had been a “difficult time” for the sport.
Dawson, though, feels snooker can now come together in moving forwards and continuing to educate players on potential pitfalls which could blight their career.
“Snooker is renowned for its integrity and the highest levels of player conduct,” Dawson said in a statement on the WST website.
“It is the duty of any sport to stamp out instances of corruption, as tour organisers we have that responsibility to our fans and players.
“WPBSA’s disciplinary commission, which is completely independent of WST, has to be transparent in dealing with corruption and punish any athlete found to have offended, with strong deterrents.
“WPBSA is a world leader in terms of their sophisticated tracking systems, and the manner in which they have pursued this matter to its conclusion proves their determination to stamp out corruption.
“The message to players is clear: if you cheat, you will get caught, and punished severely.
“Player education is crucial so that they are aware of the pitfalls, and the focus is on prevention rather than cure.
“WPBSA has a strong focus on educating, supporting and protecting players, and offering them confidential lines of communication if they have any concerns or information.
“Together, we will move forward with exciting plans for future growth.”
