Snooker star accused rival of cheating and challenged them to a fight after match

 The player had to be held back by security after threatening to attack his opponent.

Peter Lines lost his cool after losing the qualifying match

China’s influence on world snooker has never been greater after Zhao Xintong became the first Asian player to win the World Championship. The 28-year-old produced a superb display in the final to beat veteran Mark Williams 18-12, despite the Welshman defiantly winning four of the last five frames to delay his coronation.

Afterwards, Williams lauded the country’s contribution to the tournament, which included nine of Zhaou’s compatriots. One of them, however, hasn’t always been popular with all his fellow professionals. Xiao Guodong reached the second round in Sheffield before losing 13-12 in a thriller to John Higgins, although relations between the pair were far better than a previous final frame decider involving the 36-year-old.

In a qualifying match for the 2021 Northern Ireland Open, Xiao overcame former World Seniors champion Peter Lines 4-3. The 55-year-old was left livid after an incident during the match, unhappy with the replacement of the balls after a foul-and-miss scenario.

After the match, Lines accused his opponent of cheating, swore, and even challenged him to a fight. Xiao declined the challenge, later saying he was afraid he was "going to be attacked" before the Englishman was led away by security.

Xiao Guodong during his Crucible thriller with John Higgins

Lines subsequently apologised for his behaviour. However, that wasn’t enough to escape being charged with breaches of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) members' rules, and was forced to attend a virtual hearing.

The Leeds player, who also won a UK Seniors Championship earlier this month, accepted responsibility. He was fined £2,500 over the incident and ordered to pay further costs of £5,464.80 for bringing the game into disrepute.

Xiao has since recovered from the ordeal and has reached a career high of No.14 in the world. This season, he captured his first ranking title at the Wuhan Open, beating compatriot Si Juihai 10-7 in the final.

He has also reached the semi-final stage of the International Open, Scottish Open, and German Masters. Lines, meanwhile, has retired from the professional game after failing to hold onto his tour card after the 2022/23 campaign.