<p><br /> Suspended snooker champion John Higgins has denied ever being involved in match-fixing, saying in a statement: "I would never do anything to damage the sport that I love."<br /> </p><p><br /> World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn earlier confirmed that 34-year-old Higgins had been immediately suspended from all future WPBSA tournaments pending an investigation into newspaper allegations, while the player's manager Pat Mooney has resigned from the governing body's board.<br /> </p><p><br /> Higgins and manager Mooney were filmed in Ukraine by the News of the World newspaper allegedly agreeing to accept £261,000 in return for arranging the outcome of four frames in matches to be played later this year.<br /> </p><p><br /> But Higgins has denied the allegations, saying: "Can I say that I have never been involved in any form of snooker match-fixing.<br /> </p><p><br /> "In my 18 years playing professional snooker I have never deliberately missed a shot, never mind intentionally lost a frame or a match.<br /> </p><p><br /> "In all honestly I became very worried at the way the conversation developed in Kiev. When it was suggested that I throw frames in return for large sums of money, I was really spooked. I just wanted to get out of the hotel and on to the plane home."<br /> </p><p><br /> He added: "I didn't know if this was the Russian Mafia or who we were dealing with. At that stage I felt the best course of action was just to play along with these guys and get out of Russia (sic).<br /> </p><p><br /> "Those who know me are aware of my love for snooker and that I would never do anything to damage the integrity of the sport I love. My conscience is 100 per cent clear."<br /> </p><p><br /> Hearn, who is considering his own position, said an investigation would begin immediately.<br /> </p><p><br /> The News of the World said in a statement that it was "surprised at Pat Mooney's comments that he felt intimidated whilst in Kiev given his relaxed manner and enthusiasm throughout his stay".<br /> </p><p><br /> A spokeswoman for the paper said: "Mr Mooney also had three previous meetings during recent months with our investigations editor at bars and restaurants of his choosing in Edinburgh, a city he knows very well.<br /> </p><p><br /> "We assume Mr Mooney did not feel intimidated during these meetings where he openly discussed John Higgins and match-fixing."<br /> </p><p><br /> She added: "At no time whilst in Kiev did Mr Mooney or Mr Higgins show any signs of being under duress or in any way unhappy at being in our company.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Our film and audio evidence on Mr Mooney and Mr Higgins are available to the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association."<br /> </p>
