Maguire, Burnett held in betting probe

Two players were detained by police yesterday over alleged irregular betting patterns during a UK Championship match.

Stephen Maguire, 28, and Jamie Burnett, 33, were helping police with their inquiries in connection with the outcome of the game in Telford on December 15 last year.

The investigation relates to the result of a UK Champion- ship match between Maguire and Burnett, who are both Scottish.

The first-round match, which was subject to investigations by World Snooker and the Gambling Commission, was won 9-3 by Maguire.

Maguire beat his fellow Scot after Burnett failed to pot a black ball that would have reduced his arrears to 8-4.

Before the match, World Snooker was contacted by bookmakers reporting suspicious betting patterns on the outcome.

They said there was heavy gambling on a 9-3 scoreline - provoking suspicion from bookmakers.

Both men strenuously denied any wrongdoing, and have pledged to co-operate with any investigations.