Liang Wenbo at the centre of controversy on playing return at the British Open Qualifiers
Liang looks on (Credit: Taka G Wu/Alamy Live News)
Liang Wenbo was at the centre of controversy on his return to competitive snooker at the British Open Qualifiers in Wigan on Thursday.
The 35-year-old had been suspended since April, when he was given a 12-month community order at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court for a domestic-related assault.
Liang, who had consequently missed the World Championship and Championship League, suffered a 4-2 defeat to Scotland’s Dean Young in the qualifying round of the British Open.
Young had opened up a 2-0 lead before Liang got off the mark with a 65 break, but only for the 20-year-old to reply with a break of 79.
Liang equalled that contribution in frame five to reduce the deficit, but the major talking point came in frame six when the Chinese cueist challenged referee Colin Humphries on the spotting of a colour whilst Young was down on a shot.
With the black placed on the blue spot, the referee paused play to bring out a ball marker before confirming the black did not re-spot in its usual position.
Young went on to take the frame and match to seal his place in the main event, which takes place in Milton Keynes from September 26 to October 2.
Liang has been blasted “shocking” and “disgusting” on social media by fellow professionals for his conduct during the final frame.
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Absolutely shocking. Not to mention everything else concerning him. Disgusting conduct @WeAreWST https://t.co/doYagxEpV9
— Steven Hallworth (@stevenhallworth) August 11, 2022
This is a stroke,bang out of order when oponent is at the table,happened to me once at the crucible,let the ref do his job
— Robert milkins (@robmilkins147) August 11, 2022
Funny, I had an experienced pro do this to me for no other reason than to try and disrupt my rhythm in a deciding frame. There wasn’t this sort of uproar then. Thankfully I won the match anyway!! If the shoe fits I suppose but more at stuff than you’d think
— Mark Allen (@pistol147) August 11, 2022
Pathetic, dean in to win and he doing that
— Fraser Patrick (@fraserp147) August 11, 2022
