Stephen Lee was arrested following an investigation into suspicious betting patterns, according to police reports. The arrest was made under section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which states: “A person commits an offence if he (a) cheats at gambling, or (b) does anything for the purpose of enabling or assisting another person to cheat at gambling.”

However, the 35-year-old snooker player, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire has not been charged with any offence and is expected to answer bail in three to four months. Stephen co-operated fully with the police inquiry and was released without charge. He does not expect any charge to be made and denies any involvement with cheating or betting irregularities.

World Snooker, the commercial arm of the governing body, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said they were awaiting further developments.

“We are aware of the recent news articles concerning match-fixing and are awaiting further reports,” read a World Snooker statement.

“In instances where the Gambling Commission commences an investigation into a match, the WPBSA works together with the Commission to assist in its enquiries and the WPBSA will hold its own investigation open pending the conclusion.”

“However, neither the Commission nor the WPBSA will release information surrounding a betting matter while an investigation is ongoing.”

It is understood World Snooker are unaware of the circumstances that led to the arrest of Lee, who has won four ranking tournaments in a professional career that began in 1992 and also reached the world championship semi-finals in 2003.

“Stephen Lee and On Q Promotions will not be making any further comments and would ask that the privacy of Stephen and his family is respected.”

Lee was once ranked fifth in the world but fell to 25th place at the end of last season. He is 23rd in the provisional rankings for 2010-11 and will not appear at the China Open next month after losing to Tony Drago in qualifying. Stephen is now concentrating on practising hard to achieve qualification for the world championship and to fulfil all of his exhibition commitments.