On May 4, 2023, Beijing time, the World Federation of Taiwan Compatriots announced the results of the investigation into 10 Chinese players such as Liang Wenbo and Li Xing suspected of manipulating matches and illegal bets. In close cooperation with Sportradar, the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee submitted a detailed investigation report. As a result, the WPBSA charged 10 snooker players with serious violations of the WPBSA's code of conduct. Under its code of conduct, the WPBSA asked the UK Arbitration for Sport to appoint an independent Queen's Barrister to hear the 10 Chinese snooker players. The hearing, which took place in London from April 24 to April 26, saw 8 of the 10 players accept all or part of the charges, Liang Wenbo did not attend and Li Xing did not admit the charges.
Liang Wenbo refused to attend, while Li Xing did not recognize the charges
In the latest investigation report of the World Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, Liang Wenbo was convicted of the following charges: participating in game fraud in partnership with Li Xing, and encouraging players to cheat multiple matches. In addition, Liang Wenbo obstructed the WPBSA's investigation, severely intimidated the players involved and deleted mobile phone messages in hopes of destroying evidence of his involvement in the case, in addition to betting on snooker matches frequently. Li Xing's allegations are also valid: he collaborated with Liang Wenbo to participate in game fraud, as well as encouraging players to bet and cheating multiple matches. In addition, he obstructed the WPBSA's investigation, privately communicating with the players involved and selectively deleting mobile phone content and hoping to destroy evidence of his involvement in the case. It is worth mentioning that Liang Wenbo did not attend the hearing, nor did he participate in the hearing online or through other means. Li Xing, on the other hand, has some objections to the charges he faces.
Players such as Zhao Xintong and Yan Bingtao have accepted the results
With the exception of Liang Wenbo and Li Xing, the other eight have accepted some or all of the charges. Lu Ning induced other players to participate in the fraud, but he often bet on snooker matches and falsified four matches he participated in, in addition to obstructing the WPBSA's investigation and deleting mobile phone messages. Yan Bingtao falsified the four matches he participated in and often participated in snooker matches. Zhao Xintong accepted that he had falsified two matches he participated in and often bet on snooker matches. Zhao Jianbo bet on a match of fraud and a snooker match. Chang Bingyu accepted that he would falsify a match. Chen Zifan accepted charges of cheating one game and agreeing to cheat the other two. Zhang accepted allegations of fraud in a match, betting on snooker events and failing to provide the requested information in the WPBSA investigation. Browning also accepted charges of falsifying a match.
Liang Wenbo and Li Xing's situation is bad, and the young general is expected to be given a light sentence
Judging from the results of the investigation, Liang Wenbo and Li Xing's plot is relatively bad, and their situation is no longer optimistic. Although Li Xing does not accept the accusations against him by the World Federation of Taiwan Compatriots at present, judging from the results of the investigation, it is also difficult for him to complete the overturning of the case. As for the other eight players, Chang Bingyu and Bai Langning are more optimistic, and their suspension period should not be too long. But the situation of Lu Ning, Yan Bingtao and Zhao Xintong is also not optimistic. However, combined with the case of Cao Yupeng in the past, the overall ban period of the Chinese youngsters will not be long. But as the organizers and manipulators of this match-fixing case, Liang Wenbo and Li Xing are likely to miss the professional snooker event. Once convicted, they will no longer have the opportunity to participate in billiards. As far as the current situation is concerned, Liang Wenbo has given up his intention to engage in this industry, and Li Xing's prospects for engaging in this industry are not optimistic. After all, the development of snooker also needs a pure land. Otherwise, the development of the sport will also be restricted and questioned.