The Chinese Xiangqi Association (CXA) has issued lifetime bans for Wang Tianyi and Wang Yuefei, two of the game’s top-ranked players, for match-fixing and taking bribes.
According to reports in local press, an investigation carried out by the CXA found that both players had ‘bought and sold’ games over a prolonged period of time. No exact dates were given for any of the alleged violations nor were the details of the matches under investigation disclosed.
Both players have been banned from taking part in any events that are organized or sanctioned by the CXA or its affiliates. They were also stripped of their titles as grandmasters of Chinese chess.
The CXA also noted that it continues its work alongside the General Administration of Sport and other authorities to further investigate the violations and ensure that both players are punished to the full extent of the law.
Wang Tianyi became the 16th national champion in 2012 and had been the top-ranked Chinese Xiangqi player since 2014.
Wang Tianyi, born in 1989, became the 16th national champion in 2012 and had held the top spot in the Chinese Xiangqi rankings for over a decade since 2014.
Wang Yuefei was runner-up in the 2010 national championships became a grandmaster in 2013.
Both players were teammates on the Hangzhou team from Zhejiang province, which won the Xiangqi league title in 2023.
Recording of Match-Fixing Conversation Surfaces Online
In April of 2023, an apparent recording of a conversation between Wang Yuefei and fellow grandmaster Hao Jichao was released online. During the conversation the pair were heard discussing match-fixing involving Wang Tianyi and Wang Yuefei.
While the recording led to widespread condemnation of the players, the CXA made no comment at the time.
However, in June it was reported that Wang Tianyi was under police investigation in Hangzhou. In August, it was revealed that he had been arrested for alleged criminal violations. The police have yet to issue any statements in relation to the case.
Latest in Series of High-Profile Match-Fixing and Cheating Scandals in China
The CXA bans are the latest in a string of match-fixing allegations that have rocked China.
In December of 2023, the CXA revoked the title of “Xiangqi King” from Yan Chenglong following his disruptive behavior after his win. The CXA was also forced to address rumors that the player had used anal beads to communicate with a computer during his game to in order to gain an advantage. At the time the CXA stated that the alleged cheating was ‘impossible to prove’.
In April 2023, the Shanghai Sharks and Jiangsu Dragons were found to have deliberately acted in a way to influence the outcome of their game in the opening round of the 12-team CBA playoffs. In the three-game series, Jiangsu, leading 100-96 late in the game, conceded multiple turnovers, leading Shanghai to win 108-104. Both teams were disqualified for the season, and fined 5 million yuan ($727,000).
Earlier in June 2023, professional snooker players Liang Wenbo and Li Hang were given lifetime bans for match-fixing while another eight players were given long suspensions for their involvement.
In September of 2024, The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced that 43 players were banned from football for life for their alleged roles in match fixing. According to the CFA, the list of banned people includes three former China international players – Jin Jingdao, Guo Tianyu and Gu Chao –and South Korean player Son Jun-ho.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.