The world of Chinese chess was rocked by a high-profile scandal on Tuesday after a player was stripped of his title over rough conduct and cheating allegations.
Xiangqi, literally “elephant chessboard” or Chinese chess, is extremely popular in Asia, where the name varies depending on the country.
It is played with pawns, traditionally marked by symbols, placed on the intersections of a grid board – rather than on squares, as is the case in the classic game of chess.
Yan Chenglong, 48, became China's Xiangqi champion last week.
But his joy was short-lived as the Chinese Xiangqi Federation (CXA) announced on Monday that he would be stripped of his title for “inappropriate behavior” and “disturbing public order.”
After his victory on December 17, “Mr. “Yan consumed alcohol in his hotel room with other people,” the CXA explained.
“The next day he defecated in the bathtub of his room, damaging the hotel property,” the association said in a press release denouncing behavior that “violates public order and morality.”
Yan Chenglong will be banned from competing for one year and all of his prizes won this year will be confiscated, the CXA said.
Xiangqi tournaments in China usually promise winners rewards in the order of several thousand euros.
The association also had to comment on the fraud allegations against Yan Chenglong.
According to reports on social networks, the player is said to have received game instructions using intelligent anal beads, which were transmitted via computer via vibrations.
“It is impossible at this time to confirm that Mr. Yan cheated with 'anal beads',” the Chinese Xiangqi Federation assured.
Last week, the CXA praised “the spectacularly high level of play” of the tournament won by Yan Chenglong.
The now fallen champion then appeared in a photo, proudly brandishing his trophy and an award certificate.