Stephen Lee snookered

12 February 2010 - 16:13 By Sapa-AFP
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Former World N.5 snooker player Stephen Lee has been arrested following an investigation into suspicious betting patterns, police said on Friday.

“A 35-year-old man from Wiltshire was arrested on Thursday February 11 on suspicion of cheating,” a spokesman for West Midlands police said.

“This follows a joint operation where West Midlands Police have assisted the Gambling Commission, following their concerns about suspicious betting patterns.” Lee was once ranked ranked fifth in the world but he has been struggling recently and has slumped to 25th place.

World Snooker, the commercial arm of governing body the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said they were awaiting further developments.

“We are aware of the recent news articles concerning match fixing and are awaiting further reports,” read a World Snooker statement.

“In instances where the Gambling Commission commences an investigation into a match, the WPBSA works together with the Commission to assist in its enquiries 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 is ongoing.”

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now