Snooker legend John Higgins has laid out his opinion on Stephen Lee’s possible return to the sport after completing a 12-year ban.
Lee was found guilty of seven match fixing charges in 2012 but is now free to return to the sport after serving his ban.
Lee has completed his 12-year ban for match fixing
It is still unknown whether Lee will make a comeback to competitive snooker.
Any move to do so would see him go through Q-School to earn his tour card due to previous ranking points obtained before the ban being erased.
The 50-year-old reportedly owes the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association [WPBSA] £125,000 in legal fees dating back ten years for court cases and unsuccessful appeals.
Lee appeared to rule out a return to snooker earlier this year, telling a fan that his focus is on supporting his amateur snooker playing son.
However, four-time world champion Higgins has backed the idea of a possible return for Lee in the near future.
“If he serves his ban and decides to come back we will welcome him back with open arms,” Higgins told BBC Sport.
“What a player he was. I’d have no problem, none at all.”
Last week, Lee was asked again what his thoughts were around returning to snooker but this time appeared a little more forthcoming.
“I must get asked this weekly, daily, minutely,” he said, as quoted by The Mirror.
“I would like to say no, but I am still capable of playing. Let’s see what happens in two years. It’s not a no, and not a yes.
John Higgins says Lee would be welcomed back to competitive snooker
Lee has given differing statements this year on whether a return is on the cards
“We can only just see what happens in a couple of years’ time. I have some exciting things coming up, and I’m also getting older.”
He continued: “My eyes are getting worse, and I never had good eyes to start with. As you get older the determination and the fire goes.”
His ban in 2012, saw him forbidden from attending and competing in all WPBSA events for his part in fixing seven matches played between 2008 and 2009.
