Probe into Ebdon defeat

A number of bookmakers have apparently reported heavy losses while one unnamed spread betting firm claimed net losses of "a substantial five figure sum" despite having refused one punter a bet that would have seem him collect £25,000 for Ebdon to lose 5-0.

"We didn't have any bets for 5-1, they were all for 5-0," Stan James spokesman Nic O'Hanlon is quoted as saying in the Observer.

"We had a few inquiries for 5-0 to Liang in our shops but we don't offer score betting on early rounds," Tim Pickering, spokesman for Totesport, said.

"We took plenty on the match result before we suspended betting quite early in the morning. We didn't take one bet on Ebdon. Everyone wanted to back Liang, however much we shortened the price."

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association has banned two players, Peter Francisco for five years in 1995 and Quintin Hann for eight years in 2003, following investigations into betting on matches but said they currently have no plans to launch a formal investigation into the Ebdon-Liang match.

"World Snooker is obviously aware that there was some interest in the match," said a spokesman for the WPBSA.

"However, having considered the matter and followed the proper procedures, including consultation with the ABB [Association of British Bookmakers] and the Gambling Commission, we are satisfield that the action taken is appropriate."

Former world champion Ebdon, who is currently ranked ninth in the world, refused to comment when informed of the heavy betting activity.

"[Liang] played extremely well," Ebdon said at his post-match interview. "I practice with him a lot. He's a great talent. It [the betting] is not something that interests me. It's not something I'd like to comment on. I go out to give it my best."

The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating betting and has the power to order an investigation and any subsequent prosecution under the 2005 Gambling Act.