Hendry, Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths had demanded the resignation en masse of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Limited (WPBSA) board.

"I didn't expect the result to go our way but that's it as far as I'm concerned," said Hendry.

"I will keep my mouth shut from now on. I have done a lot of criticising on behalf of other players and that's the end of it from me.

"Our criticism was never with WSE, just the board of World Snooker. They (WSE) may turn out to be very good for the game."

Davis was also in concilliatory mood after a vote among professional players went in favour of the WPBSA by 48 votes to 26.

"It wasn't about winning or losing, it was about the players making a decision as to which direction to go in," said Davis.

"I hope that now the players have made a decision we can all go the same way."

World champion Peter Ebdon and world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan are among the players backing the status quo.

"The resolution to remove the board was defeated despite a block vote in favour of it from one particular management company," said Ebdon.

"Snooker has shown the world that we want to be taking decisions for the right business reasons - not political ones.

"Now it's up to all the players to set aside their personal differences and unite behind the current board."

O'Sullivan added: "The only sport people watch more than snooker is Premiership football.

"Snooker hasn't done itself any favours with this fight but it's as popular as ever.

"Sponsors and broadcasters out there know that and now they know this is behind us, they will want to be involved in the sport."