Snooker shaken as Malta Cup match-fixing probe launched
Malta Cup match fixing investigation launched
Tuesday, 12, Feb 2008 09:21
An investigation has been launched into snooker's Malta Cup after unusual betting patterns were reported last week.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (World Snooker) has vowed to look into the claims, which can carry a prison sentence of up to two years for any individual found to be involved.
The Gaming Commission, the UK's betting regulator, had a confidential tip-off from the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) into certain games in the round-robin competition.
"We have an agreement with the ABB whereby we are contacted confidentially if and when irregular betting patterns are detected," a statement from World Snooker read.
"In past incidents where players have been judged guilty of match-fixing or intention to match-fix, which are extremely rare, we have taken a particularly stringent line."
Some have voiced concerns over how far the information sharing agreement with the ABB goes, as despite many complaints from Betfair the commission chose only to act on the association's tip-off.
This year's tournament was won by 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy, who retained his Malta Cup trophy by beating former winner Ken Doherty in the final.