AN IRISH SNOOKER player has been given a 15-month ban by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) for admitting to a breach of their corruption rules.

40-year-old Leo Fernandez, ranked 118 in the world, faced Gary Wilson at the World Championship qualifiers at Ponds Forge in Sheffield on 6 April.

After suspicious betting was put down on would commit the first foul in the first frame, the Limerick man admitted to playing that shot intentionally in order to aid those who had placed the bets in question.

Today, the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee revealed in a statement that his ban will run from 27 May 2016 to 27 August 2017, while he will also pay a fine of €2,000 and assist the WPBSA in its anti-corrupption education work.

“This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all aspects of matches in World Snooker events are competed in a fair and honest manner,” said chairman of the WPBSA Jason Ferguson.

“Working closely with our many international partners, the WPBSA has developed the strongest anti-corruption strategies available in sport today.

“Leo Fernandez had just qualified to play on the WSL tour this season as a full professional and by his actions he has thrown away this opportunity.”

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