BBC SPORT | Other Sports | Snooker | Davis and Hendry demand change

Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry have joined forces to demand the removal of those in charge of professional snooker.

The former world champions believe the game is on the brink of financial meltdown ahead of the first major event of the 2002-2003 campaign next week.

This is a wake-up call for every professional snooker player

Stephen Hendry

And they are calling for an extraordinary general meeting next month to replace the board of directors of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

Their concerns arise from the WPBSA's decision to bring World Snooker Enterprises (WSE) on board as new business partners, despite no plans for new financial input.

Rival bidder Altium withdrew a proposed �2.5m cash injection after a seven-hour meeting in June failed to resolve the issue.

2002/2003 calendar

This season's calendar shows just six ranking tournaments, the smallest number since the 1986-87 season.

Both the British Open and UK Championship are without sponsorship while the Regal Welsh and Regal Scottish Opens will lose their tobacco patronage in 2003-2004.

"Having examined all of the paper work issued by the association I am staggered that they should move forward with the WSE proposal," said Hendry.

"It offers no cash investment and provides no guarantees. If they make it as far as next year, what will happen after the loss of tobacco sponsorship?

"This is a wake-up call for every professional snooker player."

Cash injection

Davis added: "Clearly the association have massive problems ahead and if we are to maintain opportunities for all snooker players we must do so from a firm financial foundation.

Stephen Hendry
Hendry is concerned about snooker's finances

"WSE are not making any cash injection into our sport, whereas Altium are committed to investing �2.5m to the immediate future of snooker.

"With our association losing millions of pounds and the tobacco ban shortly coming into force, without a substantial investment snooker tournaments will not be promoted to allow players to earn their living from their chosen sport.

"We need to address this situation urgently as time is fast running out."

Davis and Hendry believe an EGM to remove the current board, secure financial investment and institute a long-term plan are essential to save the game.


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