TSN applied to the court today for an injunction to prevent the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association from applying its rules. No injunction was granted.

A date of Tuesday, May 8, has been set for a full hearing. Consequently, the deadline of Wednesday, February 28, for entry to World Snooker’s Main Tour for the 2001-2002 season has been extended until this hearing takes place.

Both World Snooker and TSN have agreed not to sign up any further players pending the hearing. To date, 134 players have signed up for World Snooker’s Main Tour.

Jim McKenzie, chief executive of World Snooker, reacted to the news by saying: ‘In the Association’s view, TSN have launched this legal action in desperation at the fact that their competing Tour has been comprehensively rejected by the membership.

‘We are delighted to have the opportunity to debate the issues in court as we believe that TSN’s actions are damaging our business and the sport of snooker as a whole.’

Six times world champion Steve Davis reacted to the latest developments by saying: ‘It doesn’t matter when the deadline is for entry to the tour, the players are still going to be faced with the same decision.

‘We are still going to be left with the promise of something that might happen or something that is already there – namely an established circuit with a new non-tobacco sponsor and the guarantee of at least six more years on terrestrial television.

‘What I would say to the players is are you a gambler or do you want a bit of security for the future? It’s your choice.’

For more details contact ontact:

World Snooker Media Office on 0117-317-8200