The split seems to follow the reinforcing belt and it LOOKs like it has only one ply I though even the low load rating tyres had 2 ply's (layers) of reinforcing and 3 for the high load ones.
Personally, since the Swalbe debacle, I will only use mainstream branded tyres like Conti, Dunlop, Michelin or Pirelli. These companies have fully funded research and development departments and full on quality control and if you shop around, they aren't that much more expensive.