Stephen Lee Rebuilds Life After Decade of Darkness
Stephen Lee, a former professional snooker player, faced significant turmoil in 2013 when he received a 12-year ban for match-fixing. This ruling, which was backdated to 2012, followed a conviction on seven charges by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). Lee, then 38, also incurred costs exceeding £100,000, marking a dramatic downturn from his once-successful career.
Career Highlights and Regrets
Lee showcased remarkable talent in snooker, winning five ranking titles, the latest being the 2012 Players Tour Championship Finals. His exceptional skills first became evident during the 1999 Millennium Cup in Hong Kong. There, he secured victories against prominent players like Marco Fu, Stephen Hendry, and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
- Career-Defining Moments:
- 1999: Dominated at the Millennium Cup.
- 2000-2004: Achieved a peak world ranking of five.
- 2012: Last ranking title won at Players Tour Championship Finals.
Despite his achievements, Lee fell into a slump between 2008 and 2010. Just as he was regaining his form, the ban struck. An independent tribunal, led by chairman Adam Lewis, suggested that Lee was more a victim than an instigator, implying he succumbed to temptations as a vulnerable individual.
Life After the Ban
At 50, Lee is now in Bengaluru, participating in the Cue Sports Premier League. He remains candid about his past, maintaining his innocence regarding the match-fixing allegations. Lee pointed to a police investigation in 2010, which ended with no charges as evidence of his claims. He believes his financial difficulties contradict any suggestion that he was involved in alterations to match outcomes.
Support During Hard Times
Throughout the challenging period, Lee relied heavily on his wife, Laura. Her support, combined with inspiration from his children, motivated him to fight through these adversities. Sadly, Lee lost Laura two years ago, reflecting on her influence and his current disinterest in returning to professional snooker.
Coaching and Mentorship
Now residing in Thailand, Lee is dedicated to mentoring young players. He aims to guide aspiring talents in both Thailand and China, drawing on his wealth of experience. Recent communications included an invitation to challenge O’Sullivan in an exhibition match, which he politely declined, acknowledging the significant gap in their competitive levels.
Building a New Future
In addition to coaching, Lee has started small businesses and is involved in various projects in China. “I’m feeling positive about the future,” he stated, highlighting the joy in his life, especially concerning his children. He is committed to fostering new generations of snooker players and sharing insights about the game, maintaining a sense of fulfillment in his current endeavors.
Lee’s journey illustrates resilience and a drive to rebuild his life after a decade of darkness. He embraces each day, focused on personal and professional growth as he moves forward in a supportive role within the sport he loves.
