London, Oct 13 (IANS): Snooker's world governing body has suspended World No.7 Stephen Lee following an investigation into suspicious betting patterns in one of his Premier League matches.

The Englishman lost to John HIggins 4-2 Thursday after he took a 2-1 lead at the beginning, Xinhua reports.

Lee, 38, was already the subject of an investigation by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) who were looking into match-fixing allegations of 2010. But English prosecutors said earlier this month that there will be no criminal proceedings for the 2010 allegations.

"The WPBSA have concluded that it would not be appropriate for Stephen Lee to continue to compete on the world snooker tour whilst these investigations are undertaken," said a statement Friday.

"Therefore WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Stephen from competition whilst this enquiry is ongoing.

"Subject to his right to appeal, this suspension will remain in place until either the conclusion of the investigation or any resultant hearings."