June 12, 2012 - 11:23 AM
LONDON - A leading snooker player has received a suspended three-month ban after accusing Chinese players of cheating.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association says Northern Ireland's Mark Allen was also fined 10,000 pounds ($15,500) for behaviour that was "unacceptable and offensive to China and the Chinese players."
Allen accused Chinese opponent Cao Yupeng of failing to penalize himself for a "blatant push" during their first-round match at the world championships in April. He then claimed cheating "seems to be a bit of a trait for the Chinese players."
Snooker is very popular in China, where 11th-ranked Ding Junhui is one of the country's most famous sportsmen.
Allen's suspension will only come into effect if he commits any new rules violation in the next six months.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012