Shaun Murphy backs Zhao Xintong’s return to snooker after betting ban

Former world champion Shaun Murphy says snooker is better with Zhao Xintong after the Chinese player returned to senior competition following a 20-month ban.

Zhao, 27, was one of 10 players banned over the corruption scandal, but returned after a one-year and eight-month ban and qualified for the UK Championship as an amateur, which he won in 2021.

He did not direct a match but was initially suspended for two and a half years, having his sentence reduced after his early confessions and guilty plea. He admitted accusations that he participated in two matches of another player and placed bets on the matches.

“Xintong was always a little bit different to the others,” said Murphy, who beat Zhao 6-5 in the opening round of the UK Championship at the York Barbican on Saturday.

“He didn’t cheat, he broke the rules, but he accepted it and served his time. Once he is eligible, he should be allowed to move on and return to the sport. The game is better with Xintong in it.”