Snooker: Odd movement in odds prompts bet probe into Steve Davis’ win

By BRUCE MCHENRY
Published on 13/09/2012 00:43

Snooker’s world governing body has launched a betting probe into Steve Davis’ 4-0 win over Thai player Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in a Players Tour 
Championship tournament.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) said they were to examine the circumstances of the third-round match in Gloucester on Saturday. The WPBSA were made aware of odds on Asian betting exchanges moving considerably in the hours before the match, with Thepchaiya beginning as an odds-on favourite. By the time the match began, he was odds-against.

A statement said: “The WPBSA have become aware of unusual betting patterns on a match that took place during PTC3 at the South West Snooker Academy 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.”

WPBSA chairman Jason 
Ferguson said: “We take any 
potential breach of the members betting rules very seriously. Any player found guilty is likely to be banned for life.”

It is understood six-times world champion Davis, 55, is not under suspicion.