Chinese tennis player Pang Renlong has been suspended for 12 years and fined a substantial $110,000 following his involvement in 22 match-fixing cases over a period of just five months. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the severe sanction on December 19, detailing the extent of the offenses against the integrity of the sport.
According to the ITIA’s findings, Pang admitted to orchestrating five fixed matches at various low-level tournament events. Furthermore, he was found to have employed corrupt tactics to influence other players in 11 additional matches, with six of these also involving the pre-determination of results. The ITIA’s investigation concluded that these illicit activities and predetermined match outcomes occurred between May and September 2024.
During the timeframe of these integrity breaches, the 25-year-old Chinese player competed in a range of tournaments. These included events organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) across Turkey, Hong Kong, and mainland China. He also participated in ATP Challenger qualifiers, notably at the Jinan Open held in China.
As a direct consequence of these serious sports integrity violations, Pang, who was ranked 316th in the world at the time of the offenses, now faces a comprehensive ban. This prohibition extends to participating in or attending any authorized tennis event, as well as engaging in training or coaching activities. The suspension will remain strictly in effect until 2036. Of the total $110,000 fine imposed, $70,000 has been suspended, contingent upon future compliance.
This latest ruling underscores the ITIA’s commitment to maintaining fairness and integrity in professional tennis. It follows another significant ban issued by the agency just last week, where French tennis player Quentin Folliot received a 20-year suspension for similar offenses related to determining the outcome of matches.
