Chen Zifan has become the EIGHTH Chinese player to be suspended from snooker in the biggest match-fixing probe in the sport’s history.
The 27-year-old world No93, based in Sheffield during the season, is the latest to be barred from competition by governing body the WPBSA in an investigation that has rocked the game.
Chen joins former Masters champion Yan Bingtao, Liang Wenbo, Lu Ning, Li Hang, Bai Langning, Chang Bingyu and Zhao Jianbo under scrutiny and currently on the sidelines.
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Chen, in his sixth year on tour, will, like the other players, have 14 days to appeal the suspension.
If any or all of the players are subsequently charged and found guilty of offences related to the manipulating of matches for betting purposes they can expect long bans.
A WPBSA statement read: “WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Chen Zifan from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect.
"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. Chen Zifan has the right to appeal this decision.
“No further comment will be made except in the event of any significant further developments.”
Speaking only last week when top-16 player Yan, the most high-profile to date, was suspended, Ferguson said: “It is damaging to the sport, the headlines we are seeing.
“But it would be more damaging to leave it and try to hide it. The only way to rid the sport of that damage is to deal with it as swiftly as possible.
“Any player in any sport these days and especially snooker that thinks they can manipulate matches for betting purposes…they will be found out.
“Everything is connected, and we have a sophisticated team and systems in place. Anyone found guility will get what they deserve.
“All of the players are temporarily suspended, sanctions imposed by me as chairman. We take a zero tolerance approach to the manipulation of matches.
“We are experienced in investigations of this kind, we have a fantastic team headed by Nigel Mawer, our Head of Integrity, who has been working on this one for some time.
“We didn’t know how far it would go, and as the case has progressed more players have become involved. None have yet been charged, prosecuted or found guilty of fixing matches.
“But they are implicated. And while that is the case, they are suspended. It is not a good look for the sport, but we are a sport that chooses to deal with it in public and be transparent.
“Those people that buy a ticket to watch these games, they deserve to see live sport fought in the way it was meant to be played. That is why we have to deal with it.
“This has come as a shock. We educate players, especially new players. But there are people all over the world trying to corrupt all sports, in some cases organised criminals.”
Former world champion Shaun Murphy insisted that any player found guilty of match fixing should be banned for life.
Triple Crown winner Murphy said: "For players that are found guilty of match fixing, they should never play on the professional tour again. A complete life ban - from professional and amateur snooker.
"Of course all those suspended should have the chance to defend themselves and due process should take place. But if after all that you are found guilty then your involvement in the snooker family should be finished."
To date the longest bans for match fixing were for Stephen Lee at 12 years, and Yu Delu at 10 years and nine months.
