Welsh star is banned from Tour

WELSHMAN Jamie Jones has been suspended from the World Snooker tour with immediate effect over allegations he was involved in match-fixing.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has banned Jones, the world number 39, pending a disciplinary hearing.

The 30-year-old is alleged to have been “party to, or facilitated, the manipulation of the outcome” of a match between David John and Graeme Dott at Preston’s International Championship Qualifiers on September 29, 2016.

Dott beat John 6-1 in the match. Welshman John was suspended in May.

“Following a WPBSA investigation into alleged breaches of the WPBSA rules by David John, a decision has been taken today that Jamie Jones has a case to answer,” read a WPBSA statement.

“The allegation is that Jamie Jones was party to, or facilitated, the manipulation of the outcome of David John’s match with Graeme Dott that was played at the International Championship Qualifiers in Preston on September 29, 2016.

“Jason Ferguson, the chairman of the WPBSA has taken the decision to suspend Jones from attending or competing on the World Snooker tour with immediate effect.

“This suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the hearing or hearings and the determination of this matter. Jones has the right to appeal his decision.”

The WPBSA said no matches played by Jones, who reached the quarter-finals of the World Championship in 2012, were under suspicion.

It added: “The matter will be referred to the WPBSA disciplinary committee where a formal hearing will take place at a venue and date to be confirmed.”