Hearn to act on Higgins allegations

Barry Hearn, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, promised a decision within hours on the immediate future of John Higgins and Pat Mooney in the sport on Sunday morning.

Higgins and Mooney were filmed 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.

Hearn, who is considering his own position, said an investigation would begin immediately and that Higgins may face a suspension. "I've read the piece, I've seen the video, I would imagine I can't see any reason not to suspend him at this moment in time," Hearn said on BBC Radio Five Live.

He added: "We'll make a decision within the next 24 hours on how we're going to play it."