Match-fixing scandal flips Snooker table

Snooker is among the more sedate British pseudo-sports, lacking both the working-class charm of darts and the brutal physicality of lawn bowls. But dark secrets lurk under the polyester waistcoat–and money. Lots of money that shouldn’t be there!

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn says every one of the sport’s matches is now being monitored to ensure cheats are caught, after Stephen Lee was found guilty of match fixing. The former world number five faces a career-ending ban following the verdict at an independent tribunal last week.

Snooker is increasingly popular in eastern Europe, south Asia, and, on an epic scale, China. It’s fascinating to watch a niche pleasure of the British commonwealth turn into a truly international game—but this scandal seems entirely home-grown.