According to media publication Global Times, more than thirty(30) chess players in China are suspended while while three(3) are banned for lifetime.
The three players who have been banned from competition for life include grandmasters Zhao Xinxin, Wang Yang, and Zheng Weitong. The trio have also been stripped of their technical titles.
Apart of Zhao, Wang, Zheng, and 34 others were suspended due to their wrong actions, while four individuals received official reprimands.
The Chinese Xiangqi Association has announced that Zhao and 40 other players were involved in various illegal activities, including match-fixing and bribery.
This is not the first time that Chinese chess has faced allegations of match-fixing. In September 2024, top-ranked players Wang Tianyi and Wang Yuefei were handed lifetime bans for match-fixing and bribery.
One of the most celebrated players of Xiangqi; Tianyi is equated to Magnus Carlsen in the world of Chinese chess.
He is a four-time national champion and three-time world champion. Tianyi was also the No.1 player for a decade.
The suspension/cancelation of Chines chess (Xiangqi) players occurred after “Recording Gate” scandal.
In April 2023, audio clips claiming Wang Yuefei and Hao Jichao discussing match-fixing plans were shared on social media platforms.
In April 2024, the police launched investigations into several Chinese chess players suspected of engaging in illegal activities, including match-fixing and other offenses.
A comprehensive inquiry revealed that numerous players and coaches were involved in match-fixing, bribery, and various forms of corruption, with some individuals implicated in long-term and repeated misconduct, according to Xinhua.
Former player Cai Yi also shared his thoughts regarding the matter and emphasized that the stake was too good to decline.
He said “The huge temptation of benefit for a high-ranking player to maintain his place and for a lower-ranked player to earn more money was too big to refuse sometimes in a game, especially between commercial clubs.
“Once a player earns the grandmaster title, his appearance fee and bonus for each win at a tournament will rise significantly with the title promotion, prompting someone to take some illegal and desperate steps.”
The Chinese Chess Association (CXA) emphasized that anyone still under investigation for alleged illegal or unethical behavior will face strict action in accordance with regulations if the accusations are proven.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
