 John Higgins is the current world number one
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Snooker world number one John Higgins has reportedly agreed to take a £261,000 bribe to lose frames in four separate matches later this year.
The News of the World alleges it has video images of Higgins and his manager Pat Mooney at a meeting in Ukraine.
There is no suggestion Higgins has ever thrown a frame or fixed a match and neither he or Mr Mooney has responded to the publication of the story.
Mr Mooney is quoted in the paper saying he feared for his safety at the time.
He is reported to have told the News of the World: "You have no idea what the circumstances were in Kiev, that's why I have no comment.
"But we were genuinely in fear for our safety."
The paper says Higgins refused to comment.
It alleges that the conversation took place on Friday and Higgins inquired about the best ways to conceal the money to be received.
In a published transcript, Higgins says it would be easy to affect the outcome of a frame so syndicates could place bets.
The 34-year-old from Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, is a three-time world champion, while Mr Mooney is a board member of governing body World Snooker.
World Snooker Chairman chairman Barry Hearn is quoted as saying: "If true these allegations are a very serious matter indeed and a massive massive blow to the integrity of the sport". He said an inquiry would be launched.
The World Snooker Championship final begins in Sheffield later.
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