John Higgins has backed fellow Scots Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett to forget the controversy over their last match when they meet in the World Championships.
World Snooker is investigating claims of betting irregularities around their UK Championship meeting in December.
"I think of it has been blown out of proportion," said Higgins after receiving his MBE from Princess Anne.
"I am sure they will both approach it in a professional manner and the best man will win on the day."
The UK Championship saw Burnett lose 9-3 to close friend Maguire, a scoreline that had attracted heavy betting both before and during the match.
They have been drawn together in the first round of the World Championship and the investigation could still be hanging over them when they play next month.
Two-time champion Higgins will face Michael Holt and admits he could have had a tougher draw than the world number 34.
"I have played Michael there before and beat him and, no disrespect to him, I could have got the likes of two-time winner Mark Williams," the 33-year-old told BBC Scotland.
"I would love to win the title again and, if I can play as well as I can for the 17 days, I would fancy my chances.
"But there are about 10 other players who would say the same thing."
Higgins added of his trip to Buckingham Palace: "It was the most nerve-racking I have ever been.
"I was more worried about slipping up or saying the wrong thing, but it was a great honour and a great day for my wife and two boys.
"It was pretty humbling behind the scenes talking to all the people who served the army and what they went through when I am just a snooker player."
(From Website : http://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=snooker/09/03/12/SNOOKER_Higgins.html)
