Yan Bingtao replacement confirmed for Masters amid match-fixing investigation

Former Masters champion Yan is one of eight Chinese players under investigation amid an ongoing match-fixing probe and will miss next month's event at Alexandra Palace

Yan Bingtao has been replaced by David Gilbert in the 2023 Masters draw amid the ongoing match-fixing investigation that has rocked snooker.

Yan, who won the Masters in 2021, is one of eight Chinese players suspended indefinitely by snooker bosses in the biggest match-fixing probe in the sport's history.

And the 22-year-old's 14-day period to appeal the WPBSA's governing body's suspension on December 12 is now up, meaning he will not be competing at the prestigious tournament at the Alexandra Palace.

The world No.16's omission from the Masters paves the way for 'Angry Farmer' Gilbert to make his return to the Triple Crown event. Gilbert was world No.17 at the qualification cut-off point in November, and will take Yan's place in the draw of one of snooker's biggest showpiece occasions.

The Tamworth star will take on three-time world champion Mark Williams in an enticing first round clash on January 10. And while Gilbert has appeared disillusioned on the green baize in recent times, he has fond memories of the Masters after reaching the semi-finals on both his previous visits.

But his return to Alexandra Palace comes after Yan became the highest-profile player to be suspended over offences relating to the manipulation of matches for betting purposes.

Yan, Liang Wenbo, Lu Ning, Li Hang, Bai Langning, Chang Bingyu, Zhao Jianbo are all indefinitely sidelined until the conclusion of the match-fixing investigation. And Chen Zifan last week became the eight player to be suspended by the WPBSA with each player banned from competition on the World Snooker Tour.

The investigation has thrown the sport into chaos and WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson vowed after Yan's suspension that players found guilty will 'get what they deserve'.

“It is damaging to the sport, the headlines we are seeing," Ferguson said. “But it would be more damaging to leave it and try to hide it. The only way to rid the sport of that damage is to deal with it as swiftly as possible.

“Any player in any sport these days and especially snooker that thinks they can manipulate matches for betting purposes…they will be found out. Everything is connected, and we have a sophisticated team and systems in place. Anyone found guilty will get what they deserve.

“All of the players are temporarily suspended, sanctions imposed by me as chairman. We take a zero tolerance approach to the manipulation of matches."