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Chinese tennis player Pang Renlong has received a 12-year ban after confessing to match-fixing.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found that Pang, 25, had either fixed or attempted to fix 22 matches between May and September of the previous year.
A tennis player has been given a 12-year banCredit: Getty
In addition to the ban, Pang is facing a $110,000 (£82,000) fine, of which $70,000 (£52,000) is suspended.
Pang has competed at the ITF level, which is the lowest tier of professional tennis.
In August 2024, he did qualify for an ATP Challenger Tour event in Jinan, where he lost 6-1, 6-2 to then-world No. 712 Mo Ye Cong.
Pang, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 1316 in the ATP standings, waived his right to a hearing and accepted the charges against him.
The ITIA stated that he “admitted” to fixing five of his own matches.
They also noted that he made 17 “corrupt approaches” to other professional players, which resulted in six additional matches being fixed.
Pang has been provisionally suspended since November 7, 2024.
This provisional suspension counts towards his total ban, meaning that his suspension will end on November 6, 2036, assuming he has completed paying his fines.
By then, Pang will be 37 years old.
Beyond playing, the ban prohibits Pang from coaching at or attending any events organized by the ATP, WTA, or ITF, as well as the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Just last week, a French player was found guilty of match-fixing.
The ITIA discovered that the 26-year-old committed 27 violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program.
Similar to Pang, Folliot’s ban will restrict him from “playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorized or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Federation Francaise de Tennis, and USTA) or any national association.”
Folliot was also fined $70,000 (£52,000) and ordered to repay corrupt payments exceeding $44,000 (£33,000).
Quentin Folliot participated in the Roland Garros juniors event in 2015Credit: Alamy
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Pang Renlong's ban?
Pang Renlong was banned for 12 years after admitting to match-fixing in 22 matches.
How much is Pang Renlong's fine?
Pang is fined $110,000, with $70,000 of that amount being suspended.
Will Pang Renlong be able to play tennis again?
Pang’s ban will end on November 6, 2036, provided he has finished paying his fines.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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