Liang Wenbo is a snooker player from China who has faced severe consequences for his involvement in match-fixing. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has taken the drastic step of issuing a lifetime ban against Liang after finding him guilty of serial match-fixing. This ban signifies the end of his professional snooker career. Additionally, he has been instructed to pay £43,000 in costs as part of the disciplinary action taken against him.
The investigation revealed that Liang had engaged in match-fixing activities on multiple occasions. He was found to have fixed five matches in July and was implicated in encouraging or pressuring others to manipulate the outcomes of matches between July and December. These findings indicate a pattern of involvement in illicit activities that undermined the integrity of the sport.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has announced the imposition of lifetime bans on Chinese snooker players Liang Wenbo and Li Hang due to their involvement in match-fixing. The bans come as a result of their participation in fixing snooker matches, as well as persuading or encouraging other players to engage in match-fixing activities and betting on matches, among other rule violations. The two players have the option to appeal the decisions, with a deadline of June 20 set for their appeals.
In addition to Liang Wenbo and Li Hang, eight other Chinese players have also faced suspensions as a result of the investigation. Zhao Xintong, a former UK Championship winner, received a ban of one year and eight months, while Yan Bingtao, the 2021 Masters champion, was banned for a period of five years. The WPBSA expressed deep disappointment in seeing young talented players succumb to the pressures exerted by the two senior players involved in the match-fixing scandal.
WPBSA Chair Jason Ferguson emphasized the gravity of the player's actions and the consequences they face. He described their behavior as wholly unacceptable and stated that the lifetime bans were imposed to prevent any future participation by the two players in recognized snooker events.
Liang Wenbo, the former Chinese professional snooker player, is reported to have an estimated net worth of $1 million. However, other sources suggest that his net worth could be around $2 million, indicating potential variations in estimations. It is important to consider that these figures pertain to Liang's financial status, which encompasses his earnings and assets.
Despite his achievements on the snooker table, including winning the inaugural English Open in 2016 and securing two World Cup victories for China in 2011 and 2017, Liang's career took a detrimental turn. In 2023, he was permanently banned from professional snooker competitions after being found guilty of match-fixing. This severe disciplinary action casts a shadow over his professional achievements and tarnishes his reputation within the sport.
Liang Wenbo's career earnings in snooker from 2010 to 2023 showcase his financial progress and achievements within the sport. Starting with prize money of £68,425 in the 2009-2010 season, his earnings steadily increased over the years. Notably, in the 2015-2016 season, he achieved a significant leap in prize money, accumulating £166,100. Throughout his career, Liang continued to secure substantial earnings, with his total career prize money amounting to £1,329,878.
In 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, Liang Wenbo demonstrated his philanthropic side. He pledged to donate any money he won at the upcoming World Grand Prix to the Huizhou Red Cross in China. His intention was to contribute to the fight against the coronavirus, showing his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the snooker table and there is he has kept the information about his net worth secret from the public.
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Liang Wenbo has been married to Chen Xuejiao since 2012. Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding the details of their meeting or how their relationship developed. Chen Xuejiao prefers to keep her life private, living away from public attention.
As a result, there is limited information about her background, including her parents or her specific date of birth. The couple's marriage remains a personal aspect of their lives that they choose to keep out of the public eye. According to sources, Liang Wenbo has a child, although there is no information regarding the child's name or gender. The details about Liang's parenthood remain undisclosed, maintaining their privacy and keeping their child's identity away from public knowledge.
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Liang Wenbo has achieved notable success in his career. He clinched one ranking title, emerging victorious at the inaugural English Open in 2016. Additionally, he showcased his skill and contributed to China's success by winning the World Cup twice, in 2011 and 2017. These achievements demonstrate Liang's prowess on the snooker table and his ability to compete at the highest level.
In the 2022-2023 season, Liang Wenbo participated in three matches within tournaments. Out of these, he has won one match and lost two matches, indicating his competitiveness and commitment to the sport. With an average shot time of approximately 23 seconds, Liang displays a balanced and efficient approach to his gameplay.
His performance statistics reveal that he has won 8 frames while losing 10 frames, resulting in frames won percentage of 44.44%. In terms of points, Liang has scored 907 points and conceded 884 points, showcasing his consistent ability to accumulate points while maintaining a competitive contest. Furthermore, he has achieved five breaks over 50 points, highlighting his proficiency in scoring high-value shots during matches.