| Higgins's 'world in a spin' after sting • Three-time world champion endured 'horrible time'• Read the full interview on Tuesday morningJohn Higgins has spoken of the "horrible time" when, for four months, he was at the centre of snooker's worst match-fixing scandal before being cleared of the most serious charges 12 days ago.In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, which will appear in full online tomorrow morning and in Tuesday's paper, Higgins talks about the week in spring that ended with the News of the World breaking a story that it had video footage which apparently showed Higgins in Kiev agreeing to throw frames at future tournaments in eastern Europe."I was bewildered," he says of the meeting instigated by his former manager Pat Mooney. "I'm not the sort to start screaming and shouting, but I couldn't believe he had said this so flippantly. Once we were inside a few more things were said that didn't add up. It was pretty intimidating and I thought let's get out of here as quickly as possible. That's all I was thinking."I came back late on the Friday night," Higgins says, "and there was just time for me to help Denise [his wife] put the kids to bed. I was still getting my head around everything. Denise had to go to Glasgow early the next morning as her sister was getting fitted for her wedding dress. So I was running all over the place with the kids. At the same time Mooney had left messages for me but I didn't want to speak to him."He then left another message saying it was really important I called back. He said the News of the World had videotaped our meeting in Kiev. I just put the phone down. My whole world was in a spin. I had to go pick up Denise in Glasgow. When Denise and her mum got in the car she saw I was chalk-white. She said: 'What is it?' But I couldn't speak because the kids were in the back. When we got home the reporters were already waiting for us in the drive."Higgins adds: "It's been a horrible time." The day after he was cleared of the most serious charges of agreeing to fix matches - but suspended for six months and fined £75,000 for failing to report an illegal approach and for bringing snooker into disrepute - Higgins heard that his father's long battle against cancer had reached its final stage. John Higgins Sr has been released from hospital so that he can spend the time he has left at home.For the full interview, visit guardian.co.uk/sport tomorrowJohn HigginsSnookerNews of the WorldNewspapers & magazinesDonald McRaeguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
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Woodward named as Team GB deputy • Woodward to fill same role at London 2012 as he did at Beijing• Appointment secures future at British Olympic AssociationSir Clive Woodward has been named deputy chef de mission for Team GB at the London Games in 2012, assuring his future at the British Olympic Association. Woodward, the former manager of England's Rugby World Cup-winning team, will carry out the same role for the BOA that he fulfilled at the Beijing Olympics.Woodward's Olympic coaching programme is the subject of a review by the consultants Deloitte but, even if the decision is taken to end the scheme, he will continue with the BOA, confirmed the chief executive, Andy Hunt, who will be the chef de mission for London 2012."It gives me great confidence to be surrounded by such a strong and talented leadership team – all experts in their fields," Hunt said. "There is a tremendous depth and wealth of Olympic Games and sports performance-focused experience across the team."The distinct roles that we have developed will provide performance benefits that come from perfecting every aspect of delivery. We are not underestimating the challenges and benefits of competing in an Olympic Games on home soil."Woodward will be one of five deputies; the others are: Tanya Crook, Jan Paterson, Mark England (operations and villages) and Craig Hunter (preparation camps).The 2012 Games will take Olympic sailing "to a new phase" by having a ticketed spectator area for the first time at any Olympics, the London 2012 deputy chairman, Sir Keith Mills, has announced. Plans include for Nothe Fort, an old military base on a high point between Weymouth and Portland harbours, to be a ticketed area.It is envisaged that commentary and interviews will be provided by experts, such as double Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson.Sir Keith said: "We are going to use a ticketed spectator area of big screens and commentary so spectators can watch the racing."It is the first time it has been done at an Olympic Games. Will it be successful? We think so. We think there are thousands of sailing fans who will not be able to go out to the water and get close to the sailing and the inspiration of the athletes. We think this is really taking Olympic sailing to a new phase."Talks are being held with local officials and organisers to make the idea a reality.The three-times Olympic sailing champion, Ben Ainslie, said: "I think it is good to have a place as a focal point where spectators can watch the racing and really get into it."Tickets for the sailing competition, which was Britain's second most successful sport in Beijing, winning four golds, will cost £20 to £35 for the preliminaries, and £55 for the finals at Weymouth and Portland. People could still watch for free from positions along the coastline.Olympic games 2012guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |