Stephen Lee Opens Up About Return to Snooker as 12-Year Ban Nears End
Former snooker star Stephen Lee is approaching the end of a 12-year ban that has kept him out of the sport since 2012, and he has finally expressed his feelings on the possibility of making a return to the game. Lee, once ranked as high as No. 5 in the world, was handed the lengthy suspension after being found guilty of match-fixing, a decision that not only ended his career at the peak of his form but also cast a shadow over his legacy in snooker.
The ban, imposed after an investigation into his alleged involvement in manipulating the outcomes of matches between 2008 and 2009, has long been a source of controversy. Lee has consistently maintained his innocence, despite the investigation by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) which concluded that he had fixed seven matches for betting purposes. However, now with the ban set to expire, the former snooker star is addressing his future in the sport.
In a recent interview, Lee expressed mixed feelings about the prospect of returning to competitive snooker. While he admitted that part of him still harbors a deep love for the sport that once brought him fame, he also acknowledged the difficult reality of re-entering a game that has moved on without him for more than a decade.
“I’ve missed snooker, of course. It’s been a big part of my life, and stepping away from the table for so long was hard. But things have changed, the sport has evolved, and so have I. It’s not just about picking up where I left off,” Lee stated.
Despite this, Lee did not entirely rule out a return, saying that he still enjoys the game and the idea of competing again appeals to him. However, he remains uncertain about whether he would pursue a professional comeback or participate in exhibitions and smaller events. He acknowledged that the landscape of snooker has shifted dramatically since his last match and that younger talents now dominate the sport.
“I know it would be a challenge to come back, and I’m realistic about that. The players today are sharper, and the competition is even tougher. But I believe that, if I put in the work, I could find a way to enjoy the game again, even if it’s not at the professional level,” Lee added.
His comments come amid ongoing debate over whether players involved in match-fixing should be allowed to re-enter the sport. While some argue that individuals like Lee have served their punishment, others believe the integrity of snooker must be protected at all costs.
For now, Lee is content with reflecting on his past and weighing his options for the future. As his ban concludes, the snooker world is left wondering whether Stephen Lee will attempt to recapture his former glory, or if this chapter of his career has definitively closed.
