Yan Bingtao has been suspended from participating on the World Snooker Tour due to allegations of match-fixing.
The Chinese player hit the headlines at the start of 2021 as he won the Masters, doing so as the 12th seed and prevailing 6-5 in three successive matches before beating John Higgins 10-8 in the final.
However, the world number 16 has been suspended with immediate effect after it was alleged that he had 'manipulated the outcome of matches for betting purposes'.
A statement read: "WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Yan Bingtao from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect.
"This decision is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes in breach of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations.
"The suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. Yan Bingtao has the right to appeal this decision.
"No further comment will be made except in the event of any significant further developments."
Bingtao had been scheduled to compete in the first round of the English Open in Brentwood before being withdrawn from the field.
The development comes just days after five other Chinese players - Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu - were also suspended as part of an ongoing investigation into match-fixing.
The players in question are ranked between 41st and 126th, with Zhao currently not possessing a world ranking.
Darren Plant
