Chinese chess, known as Xiangqi, has stood the test of time as a beloved game in Asia. The recent uproar within this ancient game’s community has left enthusiasts in shock.
The national champion, Yan Chenglong, who clinched the coveted title of “Xiangqi King” at a prestigious tournament, found himself at the center of a scandal that not only cost him his triumph but also raised questions about the integrity of the game itself, according to The Guardian.
The Rise and Fall of Yan Chenglong
Yan’s journey to becoming the “Xiangqi King” was marked by skillful gameplay and strategic prowess. However, his moment of glory was short-lived, marred by unexpected events that tarnished not only his reputation but also the image of Xiangqi.
The national Xiangqi tournament hosted by the Chinese Xiangqi Association witnessed Yan’s triumph over dozens of contenders. His exceptional skills earned him the coveted title, and a social media post by CXA applauded the high-level gameplay displayed by Yan and other players.
Just as the Xiangqi community celebrated Yan’s victory, the CXA dropped a bombshell. Yan Chenglong was stripped of his title and faced severe consequences for actions that disrupted public order and displayed extremely bad character.
The Celebration Gone Awry
Yan’s celebratory night, filled with alcohol and camaraderie, took an unexpected turn. The events that unfolded would ultimately lead to a stain on his reputation and the sport itself.
The disruptive behavior reached its peak when Yan damaged hotel property by defecating in the bathtub. CXA deemed this act a violation of public order, good morals, and the spirit of fair competition.
In response to Yan’s actions, the CXA acted swiftly, citing the negative impact on Xiangqi and the event itself. Yan faced not only the loss of his title but also a one-year ban from playing.
The CXA did not disclose the exact amount of prize money Yan was forfeiting, but the financial ramifications are significant. Prize money in Xiangqi tournaments often reaches tens of thousands of yuan, adding a layer of gravity to the consequences faced by Yan.
Cheating Allegations and Social Media Buzz
The scandal took an unexpected turn with rumors suggesting Yan had cheated during the tournament. Social media platforms, especially Weibo, buzzed with speculation about unconventional methods involving wireless transmitters.
Addressing the cheating allegations, the CXA stated that, based on their understanding, it was currently impossible to prove Yan’s involvement in cheating via the speculated “anal beads.” The association acknowledged the seriousness of the rumors but stopped short of confirming them.
CXA’s Announcement and Reasons Behind Stripping the Title
In a public announcement, the CXA detailed Yan’s misconduct. Consuming alcohol and engaging in disruptive behavior, including defecating in a hotel bathtub, led to the swift and stern decision to revoke his title. The association emphasized the negative impact on the competition, questioning Yan’s character.