Stephen Lee Wins First Tournament Since Return From 12-Year Snooker Ban

Disgraced snooker star Stephen Lee who was banned from professional matches for more than a decade over match fixing has won his first tournament upon his return to the sport.

Lee, 51, was slapped with a ban from professional snooker and World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) competitions back in 2012 after he was found guilty of fixing multiple matches.

The ban lasted for 12 years and expired on October 12 last year, meaning that he is now technically free to compete again in professional matches and tournaments sanctioned by the WPBSA.

Lee did appeal the ban he received but this was dismissed.

Though Lee's professional ban has now come to an end, the player would have to pay a bill worth £125,000 with the WPBSA which he is yet to settle.

Stephen Lee was banned from professional snooker for 12 years. (Image: Getty)

This relates to the court costs accrued and his unsuccessful appeal during the process of his ban coming into force, and an agreement would have to be reached between the two parties, should Lee want to return to professional snooker.

Even though Lee now can technically compete professionally again, that does not appear to be chief amongst his immediate priorities.

He has instead focused upon taking part in amateur competitions and has now scooped a five-figure prize after emerging victorious in a contest in America.

Stephen Lee. (Image: Getty)

Lee has taken part in the Embassy Snooker Open in California and won the top prize of $10,000, which equates to £7,500.

He took on Renat Denkha in the final and recorded a 5-1 victory to be crowned as the tournament's champion.

While Lee took the top prize of $10,000, Denkha claimed the runner-up prize of $5,000, as well as a tournament highest break bonus worth $1,000.

Lee - who was once ranked as fifth in the world - reacted to his victory and was pleased to be back playing snooker and winning a tournament.

He said: "It's a long few days. I've not competed for a while and I was worried about lots of group games and matches and I always want to play well, but the well bit didn't happen.

"I played OK in patches but it does take it out of you.

"I'm pleased, really pleased, my fighting spirit's still there but I must have had almost 30 or 40 frames and no century.

"It's been tough, everyone's very competitive here and I felt that as well...I'm over the moon to come and win a few matches, just a bit gutted not to get a century.

"It's nice to come and compete, brings back some nice memories."