Peter Lines fined £2,500 over Xiao Guodong confrontation

Peter Lines has been handed a £2,500 fine after accusing Xiao Guodong of ‘cheating’ and challenging him to a fight.

The former World Seniors Champion was beaten 4-3 by Xiao in the Northern Ireland Open qualifiers last August and saw red backstage after the match.

Lines had reacted angrily over a situation during the game relating to the replacement of the balls after a foul-and-miss scenario.

The 52-year-old then confronted Xiao in the players lounge at Leicester’s Morningside Arena, accusing him of cheating and swearing at him.

As Lines was removed from the room by security, he then offered Xiao to accompany him outside for a fight, leaving the 32-year-old ‘in fear that he was going to be attacked’.

Although Lines had apologised to Xiao for his conduct, the Chinese cueist had lodged a formal complaint to the WPBSA which led to an investigation.

The case was heard on December 16, 2021 and a virtual hearing was attended by Lines – who accepted the facts in part.

On January 13, the WBPSA Disciplinary Committee published its finding that Lines had breached two WPBSA Members Rules and decided that the appropriate sanction was a fine of £2,500.

Lines was further ordered to pay costs of £5,464.80 and has until January 28, 2022 to appeal the decision.