Telford UK Snooker Championship betting probe dropped
An investigation into unusual betting patterns on a match at the UK Snooker Championship in Telford has found "insufficient evidence" to justify a criminal prosecution, it was confirmed today.
An investigation into unusual betting patterns on a match at the UK Snooker Championship in Telford has found "insufficient evidence" to justify a criminal prosecution, it was confirmed today.
It relates to a match at Telford's International Centre between Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett in 2008, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association confirmed in a statement.
World Snooker was alerted by bookmakers to unusual betting patterns before the match in December, with large sums being staked on the match finishing 9-3.
The match did end 9-3 after Burnett missed a black at the end of the 12th frame which would have cut his deficit to 8-4. Both denied any wrongdoing and pledged to comply with the investigation.
Strathclyde Police sent their report on the case to the Scottish Crown Counsel - but prosecutors have now decided there is insufficient evidence to support a successful conviction. The WPBSA has confirmed it will now launch its own inquiry.
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: "We are treating this case very seriously. We will now be given access to the evidence connected with the case, and our disciplinary committee will review that evidence thoroughly."