Suspended snooker ace Stephen Lee to face governing body hearing over match-fixing allegations

Snooker star Stephen Lee is battling to save his career after the sport’s rulers insisted he has “a case to answer” over match fixing.



In an announcement that rocked the sport Lee – who has been suspended since October 12 – now faces a hearing to determine his fate.

The 38-year-old cueman from Trowbridge started this season ranked eighth in the world.

He is accused of breaching the rules of the governing body, the WPBSA, in matches at four tournaments, including the 2009 World Championship, the pinnacle of the sport.

And they have decided to take their current course of action after examining “a large amount of material”.

Lee appealed his present suspension but that was thrown out on October 24.

The WPBSA said: “We have gathered a large amount of material from the Gambling Commission, West Midlands Police and third parties in relation to the allegations.

“The available evidence has now been considered and the chairman of the committee has decided that there is a case for Stephen Lee to answer.

“These alleged breaches relate to four matches at the Malta Cup 2008, two matches at the UK Championship 2008, one match at the China Open 2009 and one match at the World
Championship 2009.

“The investigation into the suspicious betting in relation to Stephen Lee’s Premier League match with John Higgins on October 11, 2012.”

Meanwhile, Graeme Dott crashed to the worst defeat of his career at the BetVictor Welsh Open in Newport.

The Larkhall ace was upset 4-1 by unranked qualifier Pankaj Advani in their last-16 clash.

But fellow Scot Stephen Maguire dug deep to topple Matthew Stevens 4-2.

Next up for the former UK champion is a quarter-final clash with either Alan McManus or Joe Perry.

Betfair gets snookered

Betfair, has signed a deal to sponsor the World Snooker’s new European Tour this season.

The European Tour is a series of six events over the next few months, capitalising on the sport’s burgeoning popularity across the continent. It will be known as the Betfair European Tour with each event broadcast on Eurosport.

The six events, which form part of the Players Tour Championship series, are:

- Paul Hunter Classic, Furth, Germany August 23-26
- Gydnia Open, Gdynia, Poland, October 5-7
- Belgian Open, Antwerp, Belgium, October 19-21
- Bulgarian Open, Sofia, Bulgaria, November 16-18
- Scottish Open, Ravenscraig, Scotland, December 14-16
- Munich Open, Munich, Germany, January 4-6

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to bring in Betfair as the sponsor of the European Tour. Just like us, they are targeting emerging markets in many areas of Europe, and this tour will provide tremendous exposure for their brand.

“Each of these events will receive extensive television coverage from Eurosport and the viewing figures are phenomenal. We are extremely excited about the potential snooker has on the continent in the coming years. These events will attract the best professionals and amateurs, providing great opportunities for the players. And for the passionate fans in places like Bulgaria and Poland it’s a chance to see the world’s leading stars compete.”

Matt Robinson, International Director at Betfair, said: “We are delighted to add World Snooker’s new European Tour to our sponsorship portfolio. The tour visits some key European markets so it’s a great way to raise awareness for our brand. We’re excited to support a game which attracts fans both old and new.”

Snooker player Stephen Lee arrested over match-fixing allegations

Snooker player Stephen Lee has been bailed following an investigation into suspicious betting patterns.

West Midlands Police confirmed the player, from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, and ranked number 25 in the world, was arrested on Thursday. A spokesman said: "A 35-year-old man from Wiltshire was arrested on Thursday 11 February on suspicion of cheating."

Mr Lee's agents On Q Promotions said he denied any involvement in cheating or betting irregularities.

West Midlands Police said the arrest followed a joint operation with the Gambling Commission over concerns about betting patterns and Mr Lee was released on bail on Friday afternoon.

His management said he was not expecting to be charged. A statement from On Q Promotions, Mr Lee's management company, said:

"Stephen Lee was taken to a West Midlands Police station for questioning on Thursday, February 11. Stephen co-operated fully with the police inquiry and was released without charge. He does not expect any charge to be made and denies any involvement with cheating or betting irregularities. Stephen is now concentrating on practising hard to achieve qualification for the World Championship and to fulfil all of his exhibition commitments."

The father-of-four was once ranked fifth in the world.

World Snooker, the commercial arm of governing body the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), said it was awaiting further developments.

"We are aware of the recent news articles concerning match fixing and are awaiting further reports," a statement said.

"In instances where the Gambling Commission commences an investigation into a match, the WPBSA works together with the commission to assist in its inquiries and the WPBSA will hold its own investigation open pending the conclusion. However, neither the commission nor the WPBSA will release information surrounding a betting matter while an investigation in ongoing."