Snooker chiefs have announced their intention to return to China later this year despite the match-fixing scandal currently gripping the sport.
Ten Chinese players have been charged with betting-related offences and face lengthy bans if found guilty by an independent investigation that launches next week.
But the World Snooker Tour will press on with plans to stage three tournaments in the country in 2023, ending a four-year gap on the mainland due to China's stringent Covid-19 regulations.
The invitational Shanghai Masters will mark the sport's return to China on September 11, followed by two ranking events in the Wuhan Open in October and the International Championship the following month.
WST chairman Steve Dawson said: "This is a momentous announcement for our sport as we ramp up our return to staging events in Asia.
"Throughout the pandemic we have maintained dialogue and relationships with the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association as well as our key partners and promoters across China.
"This has allowed us to make a fast return to staging key events now that travel restrictions have lifted.
"There is a vast appetite for snooker among fans in China and they will keenly anticipate the return of our star players."
However, two star players who may not be returning are Chinese duo Yan Bingtao and Zhao Xintong, who are among the 10 players suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
