Theoretically, 25-year-old Pang Renlong will not be allowed to play another tennis match until he is 36. Why the Chinese player received such a harsh punishment.
A Chinese player has been banned from professional tennis for twelve years for match fixing and corrupt practices. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the sanction against Pang Renlong, who must also pay a fine of $110,000 (€93,700), $70,000 of which is suspended. The ITIA stated that the accused had manipulated or at least attempted to manipulate 22 matches between May and September 2024. The 25-year-old Pang admitted to manipulating five of his own singles matches in lower-level competitions. He also attempted to bribe 17 other professional players, which led to the manipulation of six further matches.
Theoretically eligible to play again in 2036
Pang, who was provisionally suspended on November 7, 2024, is not allowed to participate in tennis events until November 6, 2036. He accepted the penalty agreed with the ITIA and waived his right to a hearing before an independent anti-corruption commissioner. The Chinese player had reached his best world ranking of 1316 in November 2024.