Snooker player Stephen Maguire has been interviewed by police officers as part of an investigation into alleged match-fixing at a major tournament in Telford.

The probe centres on Maguire’s match against Jamie Burnett at the UK Championship in the town on December 15, which has been the subject of investigations by World Snooker and the Gambling Commission.

A statement released by the world number two’s management company confirmed the Scot met Strathclyde Police Fraud Squad – just days before he opens his campaign at the World Snooker Championships against Burnett.

Maguire won it 9-3, after Burnett missed a black in the 12th frame which would have reduced his arrears to 8-4.

World Snooker was contacted before the match by bookmakers who reported suspicious betting patterns on the outcome, with heavy gambling on the 9-3 scoreline. Both players insisted they had nothing to hide and pledged to comply with any investigation.

A statement from Maguire’s representatives, 110sport, said: “The snooker professional met with police officers and answered a series of questions relating to their investigation into alleged match- fixing from a match at the UK Championship in December.

“At this time there will be no further comment.”

Burnett’s miss on the frame-ball black was criticised by commentators on the match. However he denied again recently attempting to fix the result.

The Scottish pair have been drawn to meet in a best-of-19-frames match tomorrow and on Thursday.