From Disgrace to Amateur Triumph
Stephen Lee, the former world number five in snooker, has secured a significant five-figure prize in his first major competitive outing since serving a 12-year ban for match-fixing. The 51-year-old claimed the top prize at the Embassy Snooker Open in California, marking a tentative return to the sport he was once banned from.
A Long Road Back to the Table
Lee's suspension, which was backdated to 2013, officially ended after 12 years, allowing him to compete in events sanctioned by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). His victory in the United States tournament earned him $10,000, approximately £7,500.
Reflecting on the competition, Lee admitted it was a challenge. "It's a long few days," he said. "I've not competed for a while and I was worried about lots of group games and matches... I played OK in patches but it does take it out of you. I'm pleased, really pleased, my fighting spirit's still there." He did, however, express disappointment at not scoring a century break during the event.
No Professional Comeback on the Horizon
Despite showing flashes of his former skill, Lee has firmly dismissed any notion of a return to the professional World Snooker Tour. Now residing in Thailand, he explained his reasoning in a recent interview.
"I'm still able to enjoy playing snooker at a certain level but I'm not silly enough to think I'm going back after 12 years," Lee stated. "Twelve years is too long. I'm not prepared to waste any time battling it out in Q-School. And working again for WPBSA does not appeal to me one bit."
Personal tragedy has also shaped his decision. He revealed, "I lost my wife two years ago. She never wanted me to go back and play professional snooker. I've got zero interest in the World Snooker Tour, I'm going to do other things."
A potential return to the professional circuit would also be complicated by a financial hurdle. The WPBSA confirmed that Lee would first need to settle a £125,000 bill related to past court cases and appeals before he could play in their events.
Before his fall from grace, Lee was a top-level competitor, reaching the World Championship semi-final and the final of the Masters in 2008, where he was defeated by Mark Selby.
