Higgins set for hearing

Higgins: Will learn fate over allegations

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John Higgins will appear before an independent tribunal on Tuesday over the allegations of frame-fixing made against him earlier this year.

The hearing is expected to last two days, with Higgins hoping to clear his name and pave the way for a return to the sport following his suspension in the wake of the claims.

The allegations were published at the beginning of May by the News of the World, who claimed that the three-time world champion and his manager Pat Mooney had agreed to take money to influence the outcome of matches.

In a meeting with undercover reporters in the Ukraine, the newspaper alleged that Higgins and Mooney agreed to accept £261,000 to fix the outcome of four frames at proposed new tournaments in the country.

Higgins has denied ever being associated with match-fixing but has been warned he could face "severe" punishment by World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn if the allegations are proven.

Fears

The 35-year-old said he feared he was in the presence of "Russian mafia" during the meeting and decided "to play along with these guys and get out of Ukraine".

If the hearing finds against him, Higgins could be handed a lengthy ban but is expected to make a quick return to the game if he is cleared.

The hearing will be hosted by independent dispute resolution service Sports Resolutions and will be held behind closed doors, with World Snooker announcing the outcome at its conclusion, which is expected to be on Wednesday.

It will be judged by Ian Mill QC, who has significant experience of dealing with sporting disputes.

The investigation has been led by former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent David Douglas, who in April joined the board of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.