WPBSA Statement on Maguire v Burnett in 2008 UK Championship

The Scottish Crown Counsel has finished the investigation on the match between Stephen Maguire v Jamie Burnett in 2008 UK Championship. They will not take any action on the players due to insufficient evidence. However WPBSA will handle the case now and the disciplinary committee will investigate the case. 


It is the first round match of 2008 UK Championship. Maguire is the runner up of the tournament in the previous year. The match is suspicious to be match-fixed in betting. Jamie Burnett had chance to reduce the scoreline to 8-4 but he failed to pot the last black in the 12th frame. Eventually Stephen Maguire won the match 9-3. 


Bookmakers had received large amount of bets from newly opened accounts in Glagsow, all betted on Maguire to win 9-3 which was the correct scoreline. The bookies stated that  there was no money on Maguire to win 9-4 or 9-2. A number of top bookies suspended betting on the match afterwards.


For more details about this issue, you can read Scots snooker stars Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett in betting probe written by Neil Goulding

" Following a full and comprehensive investigation into a match at the UK Championship in December 2008, the Scottish Crown Counsel has decided that there is insufficient evidence to justify a criminal prosecution. 

This case has now been referred to the WPBSA for consideration of disciplinary proceedings against the two members who contested the match, Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett. 

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "We are treating this case very seriously. We will now be given access to the evidence connected with the case, and our disciplinary committee will review that evidence thoroughly." 

          WPBSA Statement issued on 18th May, 2011