UK Top Snooker Player Suspended as Questionable Betting Surfaces

Posted on: March 20, 2023, 04:17h. 

Last updated on: March 22, 2023, 07:24h.

Erik Gibbs Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

British champion player Mark King will spend some time on the sidelines while the World Snooker Tour (WST) investigates him over illegal betting claims.

Snooker player Mark King watches his opponent during a tournament
Snooker player Mark King watches his opponent during a tournament. The World Snooker Tour suspended him as it investigates questionable sports bets. (Image: World Snooker Tour)

King, who spent 20 years as one of the top players in the world, was defeated by Joe Perry in February when they met in the first round of the Welsh Open. King’s 4-0 loss raised a red flag somewhere, leading the WST to wonder if something underhanded was taking place.

There were allegedly some “irregular betting patterns” that surfaced in conjunction with that match, according to The Irish Times.

The WST hasn’t officially accused King of wrongdoing. But the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) received notification of questionable activity. It decided to take a closer look, and the WST felt obligated to suspend King. The suspension will last until the WPBSA completes its investigation.

The suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. Mark King has the right to appeal this decision,” said a statement from the WPBSA.

Unfortunately for King, he carries a bit of a stigma of being an out-of-control gambler. He has admitted to being addicted to gambling in the past. King has said he is no longer an addict.

New Snooker European Champ

While King deals with his suspension, the snooker community welcomes a new champion. Scotland’s Ross Muir, 27, is the new European Amateur Snooker Champion after beating compatriot Michael Collumb, 34, 5-1 in Saturday night’s final at the Dolmen Hotel in Malta.

Muir had no trouble handing Collumb a defeat, going up 2-0 after breaks of 55 and 88. While his opponent picked up the third frame, Muir rebounded and took the next three to secure the victory and a two-year WST card.

Muir is the fourth Scotsman to snatch the title. Graham Horne first claimed it in 1996, followed by Scott Donaldson in 2012 and Chris Totten in 2017.

Snooker Championship

The Snooker World Championship begins on April 15, but maybe not for seven-time winner Ronnie O’Sullivan. In the run-up to the event, he suffered an injury that could force him to bow out.

O’Sullivan, who has been on the fence about a possible retirement, was scheduled to face David Grace this past Sunday in the second round of the WST Classic in Leicester. An elbow injury led to his withdrawal, but he hopes to find a quick recovery.

As a result of the unforeseen exit, Grace received some grace. Snooker rules gave him a bye to advance to the last 32, where he’ll take on Welsh snooker pro Jamie Jones on Monday. Jones is getting -187 on Ladbrokes to win the match.

O’Sullivan and Judd Trump are tied to win the World Championship, although that could change today. Trump is also the favorite to win the WST Classic.