Zhao Xintong ready for comeback after match-fixing scandal

2021 UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong will return to snooker later this month after serving a suspension.

He was one of 10 Chinese players suspended last year as part of the sport’s biggest match-fixing scandal, despite never having fouled a match himself.

Zhao will compete in the WPBSA Q Tour event in Bulgaria, which kicks off in Sofia on September 20.

The 27-year-old was given a one-year and eight-month ban, reduced from two and a half years following his early confessions and admission of guilt.

He was ordered to pay £7,500 in costs. He accepted allegations that he was party to another player who had fixed two matches and had himself bet on matches.

His suspension expired in January 2023, when he was first suspended. He has been allowed to play again since September 2 this year.

Zhao will remain suspended in China until July 2025 after authorities there imposed a longer ban.