Snooker’s Governing Body Probe Steve Davis’ Win for ‘unusual betting patterns’

September 12, 2012

Snooker’s governing body World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) have confirmed they are investigating “unusual betting patterns” involving Steve Davis’ win over Thepchaiya Un Nooh in a Players Tour Championship match on Saturday.

Davis crushed the Thai player 4-0 in their third-round clash in Gloucester, but considerable pre-match betting action in Asia have aroused suspicion.

The WPBSA are concerned that Thepchaiya’s price drifted from odds-on to odds-against hours before the tie.

A WPBSA statement read: “The WPBSA have become aware of unusual betting patterns on a match that took place during PTC3 on Saturday 8th September 2012 between Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Steve Davis.

“This matter has been referred to Nigel Mawer, head of the WPBSA’s integrity unit, to make preliminary enquiries to establish what has taken place and to consider if any action is appropriate.”

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson added: “The WPBSA take any potential breach of the members betting rules very seriously.

“Any player found guilty of such a breach is likely to be banned for life from snooker. Protecting the integrity of the sport of snooker is of paramount importance.”

It is believed that the WPBSA do not consider six-time world champion Davis to have breached any rules.