Disgraced Chinese snooker star Yan Bingtao criticised for advice to world champion Zhao
The disgraced Chinese snooker player Yan Bingtao has attracted criticism after offering advice to new world champion Zhao Xintong.
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Having kept a low profile since being banned for five years in 2023 for match-fixing, Yan on Wednesday posted a clip on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
The 25-year-old made no mention of his downfall or his future plans, but warned Zhao – who this month became the
first from China to win the world title – of some potential pitfalls of his position.
Having served his own 20-month ban, a remorseful Zhao resumed his career outside the professional ranks last September before sweeping to a stunning global triumph in Sheffield.
Zhao Xintong has been showered with attention since winning the world title. Photo: AFP
'I believe he will reach new heights in the future, but what he should do now is to balance well,' Yan said in his eight-minute video. 'Zhao is now at the pinnacle of his career and there will be a lot of commercial activities.
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