The snooker world was once again marred by the news that the UK police
have opened an investigation into suspected match fixing, after suspicious
betting patterns were reported by online sports betting companies.
The police say that a match played out between Stephen McGuire and fellow
Scotsman, Jamie Burnett may have been fixed after Macguire beat Burnett 9-3 in
the UK Championships.
"Strathclyde Police economic crime unit can confirm that after consultation
with the Prosecutor's Fiscal Office, we are carrying out official enquiries into
this matter," said a statement by the police.
Both players have vowed to cooperate with the police and said that they have
absolutely nothing to hide.
McGuire issued a statement through his management company following the news
that an investigation had been opened, which said: "Further to statements
following unusual betting patterns between Stephen McGuire and Jamie Burnett at
the season's UK Championship, we can confirm that Stephen McGuire is to meet
with police officers in the near future."
"It is regrettable that this matter raises its ugly head on the eve of
snooker's biggest event, the World Championship in Sheffield," continued the
statement. "It is ludicrous to suggest that Stephen McGuire, the World No. 2,
would in any way be involved in alleged unusual betting activity."
In a strange twist of events, McGuire and Burnett are set to meet in the
first round of the World Championships, now known as the Betfred.com World
Championships, after the gambling group entered into a sponsorship agreement
with World Snooker earlier this month.
McGuire is finally hoping to grab the title, after winning various others
during the course of his career. "I've been preparing for the Crucible all
season if I've been honest," he said. "I said to myself I want to go there and
give it the best shot I have."
