Snooker chiefs launch betting investigation after Steve Davis win

Snooker's world governing body has launched an investigation into Steve Davis' 4-0 win over Thai player Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in a Players Tour Championship tournament due to concerns over betting patterns.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) have confirmed they are to examine the circumstances of the third-round match in Gloucester.

The WPBSA were made aware of odds on Asian betting exchanges moving considerably in the hours before the match, with Thepchaiya beginning as an odds-on favourite. By the time the match began, he was odds-against.

A statement from the governing body said: "The WPBSA have become aware of unusual betting patterns on a match that took place during PTC3 at the South West Snooker Academy on Saturday 8th September 2012 between Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Steve Davis.

"This matter has been referred to Nigel Mawer, head of the WPBSA's integrity unit, to make preliminary enquiries to establish what has taken place and to consider if any action is appropriate."

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: "The WPBSA has a network of international partners to monitor such issues. We take any potential breach of the members betting rules very seriously.

"Any player found guilty of such a breach is likely to be banned for life from snooker. Protecting the integrity of the sport of snooker is of paramount importance."

It is understood the WPBSA do not consider six-time world champion Davis, 55, to have breached any rules.

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