Former World Snooker Champion Graeme Dott has been suspended by the WPBSA just days before the start of the World Snooker Championship after being charged with child sex offences.
The 47-year-old Scot, who claimed the world title in 2006, won't be able to compete at the Crucible due to a case that will be held at the High Court in Scotland.
Dott faces historical charges relating to two children who were around 10 years old at the time.
Prosecutors claim the first attack happened in the Glasgow area between 1993 and 1996, with the second relating to an alleged attack between 2006 and 2010. He will appear in court on June 11.
Former World Snooker Champion Graeme Dott has been suspended by the WPBSA just days before the start of the World Snooker Championship.
PA
The WPBSA statement confirmed the snooker player had been suspended. They said: "Graeme Dott has been suspended by the WPBSA due to a case which is scheduled to be heard before the High Court in Scotland.
"Whilst court proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for the WPBSA to make any further comment."
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association has not provided additional details about the charges.
The suspension means Dott will miss the opportunity to compete at the Crucible, where he previously enjoyed his greatest career triumph.
The timing of the suspension comes at a particularly significant moment in the snooker calendar.
Dott's sole World Championship title came in 2006 when he defeated Peter Ebdon 18-14.
The match was notably one of the latest World Championship final finishes ever, officially ending at 12:52am the following morning.
His victory earned him a £200,000 prize.
Graeme Dott previously won the World Snooker Championship back in 2006
PA
The snooker player has reached the Crucible final on two other occasions.
In 2004, he lost to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final.
Six years later in 2010, Dott was defeated by Neil Robertson in his third World Championship final appearance.
He achieved his world title success 12 years after turning professional.
Last year, Dott revealed he was considering a career in eight-ball pool after his snooker days are over.
"I used to play years ago, but I've found these tournaments really enjoyable," he said.
The Scot has been competing in pool tournaments in China, initially borrowing cues.
Graeme Dott won't be playing at the World Snooker Championship
PA
"I've managed to get myself a cue now, so hopefully I get better," Dott explained.
He indicated he wasn't taking it "deadly serious" yet but saw potential for the future: "I wouldn't play if I can't be any good at it, for sure, I'm just too competitive for that."
