Ronnie O’Sullivan: Many Snooker Players Fixing Matches

Ronnie O’Sullivan says many snooker players are fixing matches, and the recent pinch of Stephen Lee is just the tip of the iceberg.

Lee, once ranked No. 5 in the world, faces a lifetime ban from the world of snooker after he was found guilty of fixing seven matches. After the verdict was confirmed by the disciplinary committee of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Lee faces the possibility of a lifetime ban.

The WPBASA said Lee worked with three separate groups of people who placed bets on the outcome of his matches. The amount bet on these matches exceeded $176,000.

The 38-year-old will now face a separate hearing on September 24 to determine his snooker fate, but indications don’t look good.

“His future participation in the sport is now in real doubt as he will face a significant sanction,” said WPBASA chairman Jason Ferguson

Though the Stephen Lee case has generated a lot of headlines, O’Sullivan the problems run much deeper and snooker is actually rife with match fixing.

“I’ve heard there’s many more players who throw snooker matches.. I suppose Steve lee was just caught out,” he wrote on Twitter.

O’Sullivan admitted that his snooker allegation could generate controversy, but he didn’t care.

“I just love putting it out there bring it all out in the open. Nothing like a bit of transparency is what I say,” he wrote, adding, “No need to worry if you got nothing to hide. But plenty of people have got loads to hide. That’s why there is no free speech. There (sic) hiding.”

While Stephen Lee awaits his fate, Ronnie O’Sullivan said his snooker comments are likely to bring repercussions for him as well. He said he’s expecting a fine for his comments.