Barry Hearn asks Ronnie O'Sullivan to explain match-fixing claims

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn has written to Ronnie O'Sullivan for clarification over his comments that match-fixing is rife within the sport.

The five-time world champion tweeted the claim on Tuesday after Stephen Lee was found guilty of fixing seven matches between 2008 and 2009.

An official statement from Hearn read: "We take these type of allegations very seriously. We have written to Ronnie asking him to explain his comments and to provide details of any match fixing and the names of the players that he is referring to.

"Clearly, to make these type of allegations without informing the governing body through the correct channels is wholly unacceptable and extremely damaging to the sport. We await his response."

Lee could be hit with a life ban from snooker when he receives his sentence on September 24.