Stephen Maguire believes World Snooker will be forced into a public apology when they complete their investigation into allegations of match-fixing at the Maplin UK Championship in Telford.
Suspicion surrounds the first round match between Jamie Burnett and fellow Scot Maguire, who last night beat John Higgins 9-7 to book his place in the semi-finals.
Betting on the match was suspended after a flurry of stakes on a 9-3 scoreline, which subsequently came about when the two played on Monday.
The sport’s governing body have now said they will investigate the match, a decision which has astonished world No 2 Maguire.
“I was very surprised,” he declared. “If they need to speak to me then I’m at the other end of the phone and I’m available any time.
“There’s no chance there was anything wrong with that match. I know Jamie well, I grew up with him and I count him as a good friend.
“They can investigate all they like, but if they do then an apology might be in order at the end of it.”
Back on the table, Maguire can now look forward to a semi-final tomorrow against old adversary Shaun Murphy, who thrashed Stephen Lee 9-3.
The two men have not been on the best of terms since a notorious incident at the 2005 Grand Prix, when Maguire was docked a frame at the start of the match after returning to his dressing room to collect his chalk.
Maguire reacted angrily at the time, accusing Murphy of running to the referee to complain.
But Murphy insisted old wounds had now healed – and is more interested in making amends for his defeat to the Scot at the same stage in Telford last year.
“It’s a good opportunity to have a bit of revenge,” he said. “I really let myself down last year – to have an opportunity to re-write that would be good.
“There’s no needle from my side, and I don’t think there is from his, to be fair.
“We’re polite with each other around the venue and I think things that have gone on in the past are just that – they’re in the past.”
By CHRIS HUDSON
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