Snooker legend John Higgins has backed a rebel group of players who want more power on the World Snooker Tour (WST). Higgins, 50, is chairman of the newly formed Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA), with 13 big-name players already officially on the board.
The independent association has vowed to improve relations between players and the WST and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). The top stars want a bigger say in the sport’s running and more involvement in commercial deals. The Scot, a four-time world champion, has argued that snooker has not progressed at rate it should have.
“We feel as though we’ve not been listened to as we should have been in recent years,” he told BBC Sport. “The game has not moved forward with the times compared to other top sports.”
Higgins also argued the PSPA would ‘safeguard player welfare’ and bring more clarity to decision-making processes, adding: “Snooker deserves a strong, independent players’ association that stands for fairness, transparency, and progress.”
The PSPA has listed the players who have joined its board, naming Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby, Barry Hawkins, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter, Gary Wilson, Stuart Bingham, Jack Lisowski, Stephen Maguire, Mark Allen, Ryan Day, and Joe Perry. Furthermore, Matthew Selt will serve as a director alongside lawyers Ben Rees and Mark Kenkre.
However, Higgins also claims that Ronnie O’Sullivan has agreed in principle to join. “I’ve had lots of discussions with Ronnie” he said. “He’s really excited about it, so it’s full steam ahead.”
Chinese players Ding Junhui and Xiao Guodong are also said to be joining. The development follows mounting speculation over a breakaway tour, after stars were reportedly approached to play lucrative tournaments in China and North America.
Increased prize money has boosted WST events in recent years. However, under current rules, professional players assigned to the tour are forbidden from competing in outside events unless they are sanctioned by the authority.