Gunnell: 'Snooker is clean'

Shropshire's Adrian Gunnell today launched a staunch defence of the integrity of snooker and Jamie Burnett after the Scot found himself at the centre of a betting controversy in the county.

Bookmakers suspended activity on Burnett's Maplin UK Championships first-round match with Stephen Maguire at Telford International Centre after a flurry of bets were placed on a 9-3 scoreline in Stephen Maguire's favour.

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That did eventually prove the final score when the match concluded yesterday, after world No 45 Burnett missed a black in the 12th frame that would have made it 8-4.

Burnett, who had trailed 6-2 at the resumption, has denied any wrong-doing and claimed the pressure, after hearing the rumours, got to him in that final frame.

And Telford professional Gunnell insisted he is amazed by suggestions of any under-hand behaviour.

"We have had a couple of people tarnish the image like Quinten Hann, but snooker is one of the cleanest sports in the world," said the provisional world No 34.

"I've known Jamie for 15 years and I don't for a minute think he would have done anything like this.

"I saw his press conference afterwards and Jamie was saying that he had heard the rumours.

"When it's like that and you have a black to kill the rumours, there is pressure and the pocket will close up.

"But I certainly don't think there is anything in it.

"It's not good for the image of the sport, especially in the current financial climate when sports are struggling for sponsors.

"But the fact the Press have picked up on it is good because when it is proven there has been no wrong-doing, it will be out in the open rather than being swept under the carpet."