Dennis Taylor 'saddened' by Stephen Lee match-fixing verdict

Former world champion Dennis Taylor has admitted that he is saddened by Stephen Lee's guilty verdict for match-fixing.

The 38-year-old Englishman, who denied the charge, is alleged to have fixed seven matches between 2008 and 2009, including one in the World Championship.

"For such a talented player, if he gets banned for life, what a loss to the game," Taylor told BBC Sport.

"He should never have been involved in the first place, because he had the ability to become world champion. It's very sad."

Former world number five Lee will be sentenced on September 24.