Snooker betting: Shanghai Masters inquiry closes with no charges

Snooker balls

Snooker's governing body says there is no evidence to link two Thai players with unusual betting patterns at two Shanghai Masters qualifying matches.

Scot Ross Muir beat Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon, of Thailand, 5-0, while Egyptian Mohamed Khairy defeated Thai player Passakorn Suwannawat 5-4 at the Doncaster Dome in August 2013.

Several bookmakers suspended betting on the matches, but the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) says it had found nothing to indicate any wrongdoing.

The WPBSA liaised with the Gambling Commission about the games.

Nigel Mawer, the WPBSA's disciplinary chief, told BBC Sport: "After a thorough investigation, including interviewing the two Thai players and making inquiries in Thailand, there is no evidence of a link between the players and suspicious betting activity. The case is concluded."

Snooker chiefs insist they treat all allegations around suspicious betting activity seriously.

Last year, former world number five Stephen Lee was banned for 12 years after being found guilty of match-fixing.

He has denied wrongdoing and the first stage of his appeal process is due to start on Thursday.