The 41-year-old Englishman -- who received a six-month ban last week with three of those suspended -- said players, especially young ones, needed protecting from bookies. "I have been exposed to all forms of gambling since I was a teenager," he said in a statement. "Most tournaments are sponsored by betting companies. Bingham, who will be banned for three of the most lucrative tournaments including the Masters, said he was "truly sorry" and "did not attach sufficient importance to the rules". "In the absence of any direct evidence, the committee arbitrarily concluded that I was responsible for 50% of the betting on that account (including the bets on my matches)," said Bingham.

Source: The Nation Bangkok October 30, 2017 19:07 UTC