Higgins’ reputation ‘damaged’

WORLD Snooker chairman Barry Hearn believes John Higgins’ name has been tarnished, despite the former world champion being cleared of match-fixing.

“The tribunal felt that Mr Higgins was not involved in any type of match-fixing. They were satisfied that he had no such involvement,’’ said Hearn. “But let’s be honest, his reputation has been damaged.’’

Higgins, 35, was fined £75,000 (€91,000) and banned for six months for bringing the game into disrepute.