Two banned for ‘scourge’ of match-fixing

Chinese players Yu Delu and Cao Yupeng have been banned after admitting match-fixing.

Yu has been banned for 10 years and nine months after an investigation discovered he manipulated the outcome of five matches over a 2½-year period.

The independent tribunal that ruled on his case said in its decision that he had “engaged in deliberate and premeditated corruption to secure substantial financial gain for his friends/ associates and himself ”.

Yu also admitted lying to the investigator, failing to cooperate with the investigation and betting on snooker when prohibited from doing so. The 31-year-old, whose ban will run until Feb 24 2029, will serve the longest suspension since English player Stephen Lee received a 12-year ban in 2013.

Cao, 28, has been banned for six years, although 3½ years of his punishment are suspended. He was found to have fixed three different matches.

The tribunal found that, on one of the matches Yu fixed, the stakes placed on the result were £65,000 and would have generated a profit of £86,000.

The tribunal described Yu’s actions as “a scourge to the game of snooker”.

Chairman of the WPBSA Jason Ferguson said: “It is very sad when talented players are attracted to the opportunity to make money from fixing matches.

“Cao Yupeng has shown true remorse and he will assist the WPBSA in player education and in its fight against corruption, which is reflected in his reduced sanction.”