Chinese chess is no longer just a game of strategy but also a hot topic of scandal and cheating accusations. Yan Chenglong, the national champion, was stripped of his title following shocking behaviour that included defecating in a hotel bathtub during celebrations.
The Chinese Xiangqi Association (CXA) made the announcement on Monday, declaring that Yan would also have his prize money confiscated and be banned from playing for a year. According to CXA, he was caught “disrupting public order” and displaying “extremely bad character.”
Reports suggest that Yan consumed alcohol with others in his hotel room before defecating in the bathtub, causing property damage and violating public order and morals. The CXA called his actions deplorable and had a negative impact on the competition and the Xiangqi community.
The scandal does not end there. Rumors have surfaced online that Yan cheated during the competition by using wireless transmitting anal beads to send and receive signals. Yan supposedly clenched and unclenched to transmit information about the chess board to a computer, which sent back instructions in the form of vibrations.
Many have questioned CXA’s investigative efforts. An official statement regarding the ‘anal bead’ allegations said, “Based on our understanding of the situation, it is currently impossible to prove that Yan engaged in cheating via ‘anal beads’ as speculated on social media.” Nevertheless, the allegations have provoked criticism, and many have accused CXA of turning a blind eye.
The defeat of Yan after winning the championship has caused controversy and raised questions regarding the screening process of participants.