• Snooker

Higgins vows to clear his name in match-fixing row

ESPN staff
May 3, 2010
John Higgins was beaten in the Snooker World Championship by Steve Davis © Getty Images
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John Higgins has vowed to co-operate fully with the snooker authorities as he attempts to clear his name in the match-fixing row.

Higgins was seen in a video published by the News of the World allegedly making a deal in Ukraine to lose frames for a sum of money amounting to £261,000. The frames in question were all set to take place in matches later this year.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn has already suspended Higgins, whom he considers a good friend, and will now launch an investigation into the allegations. Hearn told TalkSPORT radio: "I don't think I've ever felt so let down or kicked. We're working so hard on revitalising the game and there are lots of people pulling in the right direction. We wanted the headlines to be about Steve Davis' revitalisation, Stephen Hendry's recovery... but all we're talking about is the News of the World expose on John Higgins and his manager, which has left me feeling devastated."

Higgins has since stated that any agreements made were done to protect his own safety, fearing he may be dealing with a form of Ukrainian mafia. Now the world No. 1 intends to clear his name.

"Today is the start of the biggest match of my life," stated Higgins. "It's not the World Championship that's at stake, it's something even more important, my reputation.

"I will co-operate fully with the snooker authorities. I have built my reputation on honesty and integrity."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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