‘Fight’ snooker player is fined £2,500

English snooker player Peter Lines has been fined £2,500 after challenging China’s Xiao Guodong to a fight and accusing him of cheating.

The incident occurred following Xiao’s 4-3 victory over Lines in a qualifier for the 2021 Northern Ireland Open in Leicester in August last year.

Xiao’s team complained to the World Snooker Tour (WST) and the case was heard on December 16 by the disciplinary committee of snooker’s governing body, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

A statement from the WPBSA read: “The allegation was that Mr Lines took issue with Mr Xiao over incidents in this match.

“After the match Mr Lines confronted Mr Xiao in the players lounge at the venue and accused him of cheating and swore at him.

“As Mr Lines was removed from the lounge by security, he asked Mr Xiao to go outside with him. Mr Xiao said he was in fear that he was going to be attacked by Mr Lines.

“Soon after the incident Mr Lines apologised to Mr Xiao for his conduct after the match.

“The virtual hearing was attended by Mr Lines who accepted the facts in part.

“On 13th January 2022 the disciplinary committee published its finding and decision on sanction. The committee found that the breaches of WPBSA Members Rules 1.1 and 1.3 were proven in full.”

Lines’ early apology and “unblemished career” was taken into account by the committee.

The 52-year-old from Leeds, who won the UK Seniors Championship earlier this month, was also ordered to pay costs of £5,464.80. He has until January 28 to appeal.