A former world No. 5 in snooker beforehand revealed why he is not searching for a return to the skilled tour.
Stephen Lee was handed a 12-year ban for match-fixing in 2013 (Picture: Getty) This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
Former skilled snooker star Stephen Lee revealed why he’ll by no means make a return to the skilled circuit. The 51-year-old – who rose as excessive as fifth on this planet rankings – as soon as made a World Championship semi-final and completed as runner-up on the Masters in 2008 earlier than his profession got here crashing down.
Lee acquired a 12-year suspension from the game in 2014 – backdated to 2013 when the preliminary ban started – after he was convicted of match-fixing throughout quite a few tournaments, together with the World Championship. The inquiry was organised by the World Skilled Billiards and Snooker Affiliation (WPBSA), the game’s governing physique. As he is now served the ban, Lee is eligible to compete in Q-College, and different WBPSA-sanctioned tournaments, so as to regain his place on the World Snooker Tour (WST).
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Nonetheless, the disgraced snooker star admitted he has no need to make an expert return. At present dwelling in Thailand, Lee instructed The Hindu final 12 months: “I am nonetheless in a position to get pleasure from taking part in snooker at a sure degree. However I am not foolish sufficient to suppose I am going again after 12 years. 12 years is simply too lengthy.
“I am not ready to waste any time battling it out in Q-College. And dealing once more for WPBSA doesn’t enchantment to me one bit. WPBSA by no means did something for me as an affiliation. They do not assist gamers.” Opening up concerning the needs his late spouse had for his profession, he added: “I misplaced my spouse two years in the past.
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“She by no means needed me to return and play skilled snooker. I’ve acquired zero curiosity within the World Snooker Tour. I’ll do different issues.” Ought to Lee have a change of coronary heart and want to regain his skilled standing, he’d must settle his £125,000 debt that stems from failed enchantment and authorized prices.
Lee admitted he has no plans to return to elite competitors (Picture: Getty)
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Lee is allowed to compete in non-WPBSA sanctioned beginner competitions. In final 12 months’s Embassy Snooker Open in California, the ex-professional captured the $10,000 (£7,500) first prize. Talking after his victory, he admitted his enjoyment of with the ability to partake within the sport as soon as once more.
He mentioned: “It is a lengthy few days. I’ve not competed for some time and I used to be anxious about plenty of group video games. I at all times wish to play properly, however the properly bit did not occur. I am over the moon to come back and win a number of matches, only a bit gutted to not get a century. It is good to come back and compete, brings again some good reminiscences.”
The Wiltshire-born participant is only a 12 months older than the long-lasting ‘Class of 92’ trio of Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams. Quickly nearing 35 years as professionals, the legends stay among the many sport’s finest gamers. Whereas O’Sullivan and Williams had been each eradicated within the second spherical on the Crucible, Higgins is within the midst of a semi-final conflict in opposition to Shaun Murphy because the Scotsman goals to win his fifth world title.
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