STUART Bingham has admitted to breaking World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) rules on betting on matches involving other players.

The Bowers Gifford based world number three found out in December that allegations were being investigated by Nigel Mawer, the chairman of the WPBSA’s disciplinary committee.

Bingham has since confirmed that he had placed accumulator bets, but claims that he did not know it was against the governing body’s rules.

The Welsh Open champion is now awaiting the conclusion of the investigation and possible penalty.

Bingham said: “This was just a case of me not being clear on the rules.

“I did not know I was not allowed to bet on other players’ matches, I thought it was just my own I could not bet on, and I have never done that.

“I have nothing to hide on the matter and have cooperated fully with the investigation and I now await the outcome.”

A WPBSA statement read: “Following an investigation into an alleged breach of the WPBSA Betting Rules by Stuart Bingham, a decision has been taken today that there is a case to answer.

“The matter has now been referred to the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee, where a formal hearing will take place at a venue and date to be confirmed.

“This relates to bets placed on snooker in contravention of the WPBSA Betting Rules. There is no suggestion of any match manipulation or corruption.”