China's Zhao and Yan to miss Snooker World Championship due to match-fixing hearing

The hearing would start on April 24th, it said on Thursday, clashing with the April 15th-May 1st tournament at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Zhao, who won the 2021 UK Championship, is ranked ninth in the world while former Masters champion Yan is 19th.

"The players will remain suspended until the outcome of the independent disciplinary hearing is published," WPBSA said in a statement.

"They will therefore not participate in any remaining World Snooker Tour events during the 2022-23 season, including the 2023 World Snooker Championship."

Zhao faces charges of being concerned in fixing matches on the tour and betting on snooker, while Yan has been charged with fixing matches and betting on snooker.

Liang Wenbo, Li Hang, Lu Ning, Zhang Jiankang, Chen Zifan, Chang Bingyu, Zhao Jianbo and Bai Langning are the other players charged.

Reuters has sought comment from the players.