New Snooker Players Association Formed: John Higgins Takes the Helm
In a significant development for professional snooker, a new independent organization known as the Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA) has been established. Four-time world champion John Higgins has been appointed as the chairman of this groundbreaking association, which aims to elevate the voices of professional players in the sport.
The PSPA boasts an impressive board featuring thirteen high-profile players, including current world champion Kyren Wilson, as well as snooker stars like Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Barry Hawkins, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter, Gary Wilson, Stuart Bingham, Jack Lisowski, Stephen Maguire, Mark Allen, Ryan Day, and Joe Perry. Matthew Selt will also join the leadership team as a director, alongside legal experts Ben Rees and Mark Kenkre.
This initiative comes in response to growing dissatisfaction among elite players regarding their representation in the sport. Higgins shared his concerns with BBC Sport, emphasizing that players feel their voices have not been adequately heard in recent years. He remarked, "The game has not progressed with the times compared to other top sports," highlighting the urgent need for reform in snooker.
The PSPA is committed to enhancing player involvement in the sport’s administration and commercial dealings. Higgins firmly believes that snooker deserves a robust and independent players’ association that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and progress. The association aims to foster a collaborative relationship with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), as well as with World Snooker Limited, which oversees professional events and broadcasting rights.
Notably, seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, although not on the official board, has expressed his support for the PSPA. Higgins shared, "I’ve had many discussions with Ronnie. He’s genuinely excited about it, and we’re moving forward at full speed." Reports indicate that Chinese players Ding Junhui and Xiao Guodong are also expected to join this new initiative.
The PSPA is dedicated to safeguarding player welfare while increasing transparency in decision-making processes within the world of professional snooker.
Background on Existing Players’ Body
Previously, the WPBSA established its own players’ body in 2020, which included notable members like Ken Doherty, Mark Davis, Ben Woollaston, and Tian Pengfei, with Neil Robertson recently joining as well. However, several leading professionals, including Mark Allen, have voiced concerns that this existing structure does not adequately represent their interests. Allen has been an advocate for an independent union, stating, "I don’t think the WPBSA Players’ Board is running the way it should be." Now part of the PSPA board, Allen is enthusiastic about having a more active role in shaping the future of snooker, saying, "I’m someone who’s very passionate about the sport."
Stay tuned for more updates as this new association takes shape and aims to revolutionize the professional snooker landscape!
