Mark King, a former Northern Ireland Open champion, has been banned from professional snooker for five years after being found guilty of match-fixing, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) announced on Friday. Alongside the suspension, the 50-year-old Englishman has been ordered to pay $86,644 in costs.
An independent disciplinary panel found Mark King guilty of deliberately fixing a match and sharing inside information that was used for betting. These charges stem from his match against Joe Perry during the Welsh Open on February 13, 2023. However, similar accusations related to a match against John Higgins in December 2022 were dismissed.
Mark King was suspended in March 2023 after suspicious betting activity was flagged during his match against Perry. While denying all allegations, he now has until November 28 to appeal the ruling. Importantly, no allegations were made against Perry or Higgins, and no other players were implicated.
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson expressed disappointment but reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to protecting the sport’s reputation. “Mark King is a highly accomplished player with a successful career, and this outcome is truly disheartening,” Ferguson said. “However, maintaining the integrity of our sport is our top priority, and this decision demonstrates our strict zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct.”
Mark King, who has enjoyed a professional career spanning decades, now faces a significant setback with this lengthy suspension. The case underscores the WPBSA’s vigilance in safeguarding snooker against corruption, ensuring fair play remains at the heart of the game.
This decision serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for those who compromise the sport’s integrity.
