MKsport including grandmasters Zhao Xinxin, Wang Yang and Zheng Weitong. Photo: Courtesy of CCTV News" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-01-12/b021b22b-861c-49e4-a72c-6013029b1140.jpeg" />

Investigations into Chinese chess 'Recording Gate' scandal revealed Photo: Courtesy of CCTV News

A total of 41 Xiangqi (Chinese chess) players were penalized, including grandmasters Zhao Xinxin, Wang Yang and Zheng Weitong. The three players were banned for life and stripped of their technical titles by the Chinese Xiangqi Association (CXA), according to an announcement by the General Administration of Sport of China on Sunday. 

Investigations revealed that Zhao and the other 40 individuals were involved in various degrees of illegal activities, such as match-fixing and bribery, actions that deeply harmed the development of Chinese chess, said the CXA. 

In addition to Zhao, Wang, and Zheng, 34 others were suspended based on the severity of their actions, while four individuals were given official reprimands.

Previously, Wang Tianyi, who had held the national top ranking for 10 consecutive years, and player Wang Yuefei, had already been banned for life for illegal activities such as match-fixing and games manipulation.

The penalties stem from the investigations into the "Recording Gate" scandal in Chinese chess, which involved cheating and match manipulation.

Starting from April 2023, audio clips began appearing on online platforms, accompanied by text, claiming that Chinese chess players Wang Yuefei and Hao Jichao were discussing match-fixing agreements, according to Xinhua News Agency. In October of the same year, Chinese chess veterans Liu Dahua and Dang Fei publicly reported the issue on social media, demanding a thorough investigation into the event.

In April 2024, the police department initiated investigations into several Chinese chess players suspected of illegal activities, focusing on match-fixing and other crimes. A thorough investigation was conducted to uncover illegal activities among individuals in the sector. It has been confirmed that several players and coaches engaged in match-fixing, bribery, and other forms of corruption, with some individuals involved over extended periods and with frequent occurrences, Xinhua reported.

The CXA stated that individuals still under investigation for suspected illegal or unethical conduct will be dealt with strictly according to regulations, if accusations are confirmed.

Global Times