Leo Fernandez handed 15-month ban after admitting corruption charge

Snooker player Leo Fernandez has been banned from the sport for 15 months after admitting corruption charges.

Ireland's Fernandez played the first foul shot of a World Championship qualifier against Gary Wilson in April.

The foul enabled other people to profit by betting on it, a World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association investigation found.

Fernandez, 40, had recently secured a professional tour place for the first time since 2008.

His ban runs until 27 August, 2017.

Fernandez will also pay £2,000 costs to the WPBSA, the sport's governing body, and has agreed to help with the organisation's anti-corruption education work.

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: "Leo Fernandez had just qualified to play on the WSL tour this season as a full professional and by his actions he has thrown away this opportunity.

"This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all aspects of matches in World Snooker events are competed in a fair and honest manner."