WPBSA Suspends English Snooker Player over Irregular Betting Patterns
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in relation to irregular betting pattern, has suspended England’s Mark King.
In recent times, sport’s governing bodies has been dolling out suspensions, bans and fines to sports personalities for breach of their professional rules in relation to gambling activities. This time it’s about snooker players.
The case in question, relates to Mark King’s match against Joe Perry at the Welsh Open on 13 February. An initial investigation is said to have identified unusual betting activity during the match.
The WPBSA did not go into further details about these irregular betting patterns, but it did confirm that the suspension would come into immediate effect and remain in place, until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought.
This decision will mean that King will not be able to attend or compete on the World Snooker Tour for the duration of the suspension, although he will have the right to appeal against the decision.
King is a regular player on the snooker circuit since turning professional in 1991. He clinched his first ranking title in 2016, when he won the Northern Ireland Open.
The WPBSA initially issued suspensions to a number of players as part of investigations into match-fixing and betting on snooker, but in January, the body charged 10 players over alleged breaches of its regulations for match-fixing and betting.
WPBSA rules strictly prohibit all players from placing bets on snooker matches, while any approaches or reports of match-fixing or other corruption should be reported to the WPBSA at the first opportunity.
Among the players charged were Masters champion Yan Bingtao, Zhao Xintong, Chen Zifan, Bai Langning, Chang Bingyu and Zhao Jianbo
