Higgins - My conscience is clear

Meeting in Kiev left world number one 'spooked'

Last updated: 2nd May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Higgins - My conscience is clear

Higgins: three-time world champion

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John Higgins has issued a statement declaring he has "never been involved in any form of snooker match-fixing" and that his "conscience is 100% clear".

The world number one has been suspended by the WPBSA pending an investigation into newspaper allegations published on Sunday.

Higgins - a three-time world champion - is the subject of allegations that he and his agent Pat Mooney agreed to accept money to influence the outcome of future matches.

New world number one Higgins and Mooney were filmed by the News of the World in the Ukraine, allegedly agreeing to accept £261,000 in return for fixing the outcome of four frames in matches to be played later this year.

Higgins' statement reads: "Can I say that I have never been involved in any form of snooker match-fixing. In my 18 years playing professional snooker I have never deliberately missed a shot, never mind intentionally lost a frame or a match.

"In all honestly I became very worried at the way the conversation developed in Kiev. When it was suggested that I throw frames in return for large sums of money, I was really spooked. I just wanted to get out of the hotel and onto the plane home.

"I didn't know if this was the Russian Mafia or who we were dealing with. At that stage I felt the best course of action was just to play along with these guys and get out of Russia (sic).

"Those who know me are aware of my love for snooker and that I would never do anything to damage the integrity of the sport I love. My conscience is 100% clear."

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Comments (7)

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Stuart Parry says...

I really like John Higgins but he must think we are morons to thinks we'd believe this! He doesn't look intimidated to me, in fact he's the one assuring the man how easy it can be. Sorry mate but you just got busted. Time to put your hands up.

Posted 17:36 4th May 2010

Robert Morris says...

What was John Higgins doing in the Ukraine in the first place?

Posted 11:22 4th May 2010

Mark Jorrie says...

To Kevin Blake - if he felt he was dealing with the Russian mafia what else could you do. It's the type of circle that once you have joined into, even inadvertently, one you cannot so easily escape...unless you want to sign your death warrant.

Posted 10:04 3rd May 2010

Gary Tate says...

I have been a big fan of Higgins over the years but having read the article it does not look good for him. If he was as scared as he claims why enter into a conversation of how best to add the money! If someone with John's experience and money can be temtped into match fixing snooker is in big trouble.

Posted 07:54 3rd May 2010

Martin Endersby says...

why would someone number 1 in the world with 5million in the bank do something so silly for £261000???

Posted 20:44 2nd May 2010

Kevin Blake says...

Why did he not report it to someone on his return to the U.K.

Posted 20:31 2nd May 2010

Harry Groves says...

That's the excuse i would have come up with, fair play to the lad

Posted 19:46 2nd May 2010
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