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In a landmark anti-corruption effort, the Chinese Xiangqi Association has issued penalties against 41 chess players, including lifetime bans for four prominent grandmasters. Among those sanctioned are renowned players Zheng Weitong, Zhao Xinxin, and Wang Yang. The crackdown follows allegations of match-fixing, bribery, and misconduct that have rocked the world of Chinese chess.
The case first gained attention in April 2024, when China’s top-ranked player, Wang Tianyi, was detained by police on suspicion of bribery and match-fixing. Investigators uncovered a network of corruption where players allegedly bought and sold matches to manipulate rankings and secure financial gains. Wang’s arrest led to further inquiries implicating other high-profile players, culminating in the January 12 announcement of widespread penalties.
Among the banned players, Zheng Weitong, a celebrated player often nicknamed the “perennial runner-up,” initially denied involvement but later admitted to participating in the scheme. Zheng, who won gold at the 2023 Asian Games and is an alumnus of Tsinghua University, reportedly received and offered bribes to influence match outcomes.
Zhao Xinxin, another top player, faced accusations of selling matches for as much as 200,000 RMB ($27,500) each. Zhao, a grand slam champion who had achieved numerous national and international titles, was also implicated in the corruption scandal and faced extended detention in 2024.
The scandal gained momentum after the release of a leaked recording between two grandmasters, Wang Yuefei and Hao Jichao, in April 2023. The recording detailed allegations of match manipulation and the use of advanced technology to gain unfair advantages. The leak, dubbed “Recording Gate,” exposed the systemic corruption and prompted veteran player Liu Dahua to file a public complaint against senior officials in the Xiangqi Association.
Liu, widely regarded as a chess legend, accused the association’s leadership of turning a blind eye to misconduct and even facilitating corruption. His bold move brought national attention to the issue and spurred high-level investigations.
In addition to the bans, several players received suspensions ranging from three years to a lifetime. Liu Dahua, who had two students penalized in the crackdown, expressed no regret for exposing the misconduct, emphasizing the need to restore integrity in the sport.
The Xiangqi Association stated that these penalties are part of broader reforms to clean up the sport and preserve its cultural heritage. Netizens have expressed mixed reactions, with some applauding the harsh measures as necessary to deter future corruption, while others lament the damage done to the reputation of Chinese chess.
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