O'Sullivan: I have been offered bribes

Three-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan insists he would never throw a snooker match but believes players are regularly offered the opportunity to do so.

An undercover operation by the News of the World plunged the sport into turmoil earlier this year when the newspaper filmed John Higgins appearing to accept £261,000 (€307,206) in return for arranging the outcome of four frames in matches to be played later in the year.

An investigation cleared Higgins of accepting any bribes but he was banned for six months and fined £75,000 (€88,277) after admitting breaching rules around betting.

O'Sullivan, who has been one of Higgins' main rivals since the two emerged on the professional scene 18 years ago, insists he has never taken any bribes but believes they are offered on a regular basis, just like in the rest of society.

"I haven't been offered one (a bribe) but it does go on," O'Sullivan claimed to Press Association Sport.

"It's not just in snooker, it goes on in all forms of life. MPs are taking backhanders left, right and centre.

"That's the way the world is sometimes. A lot of people try to influence their way with money. It is not just snooker, it is life in general. They're just trying to exploit whatever they can.

"I wouldn't do it. It's too dangerous. It is the kind of thing I wouldn't even entertain because I enjoy playing the game. I love competing."

Higgins, who has always maintained his innocence, made a successful return to the table two weeks ago when he won the European Players Tour Championship tournament in Hamm, Germany.

Higgins, who has won the World Championship three times, was given a warm welcome back by his fellow players and O'Sullivan is convinced the Scot is clean.

"I have known John since he was a kid and I know he wants to win," said O'Sullivan at the launch of the new Bettor bookmakers in central London.

"I know his heart is in snooker. I have seen him after losing a match and he looked as if it was the end of the world so I know that he loves it and really wants to do well.

"He has done his time and I'm sure he won't put himself in the same position again. We all make mistakes. You live and learn by them."

Higgins will play on home soil for the first time since the allegations came to light in eight days' time when he takes part in the UK Championship.

With a win in Germany already under his belt, O'Sullivan believes Higgins will be a genuine contender in Telford.

"John has had his ban, served his punishment, taken it, come back to snooker and shown character to push it to the back of his mind," said O'Sullivan, who plays Neil Robertson in snooker's Premier League semi-final today.

"He's been successful already so it wouldn't surprise me if he has a really good season."