Opposing snooker forces claim win

The snooker world is faced with an uncertain future

Snooker's governing body and 110Sport have both claimed victory in the High Court case concerning power in the sport.

World Snooker was accused by the internet management firm, along with players Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams, of denying the players the right to play when and where they liked.

Justice Lloyd accepted there had been an unlawful restraint of trade (covered by the A5 regulation) but seven other issues involving rankings and use of logos were turned down.

World Snooker chief executive Jim McKenzie said the regulation governing players' appearances was no longer in effect anyway and was satisfied with winning seven out of eight issues.

"We are delighted by the ruling," said McKenzie.

O'Sullivan is sceptical about 110Sport's intentions

"This is a victory for the Association's right to protect the players and their assets against commercial predators."

"110Sport gained nothing from the proceedings. They wanted to break up the Association - they failed.

"They wanted to destroy our ranking system - they failed. They wanted a show-trial of the Association's past - they failed."

Meanwhile, Ronnie O'Sullivan, in action in the British Open, said: "In my opinion 110Sport are looking to use the game for their own ends.

"World Snooker is about governing the sport for all its players at every level and stage of the game and the BBC are working with them to grow and develop it."

A spokesman for the BBC added: "We are collaborating closely to help relaunch snooker as part of our new six-year contract."

Mark and I feel that we are very much vindicated in our decision

Stephen Hendry

However, Hendry was more than happy with the result in court.

"All the big points we have won - and the other minor issues like logos and rankings were all peripheral anyway," he told BBC Sport Online.

"Mark and I feel that we are very much vindicated in our decision to go to court."

Chief executive of 110Sport George Smith also expressed his satisfaction.

"110Sport recognised that the imposition of the rule A5 by the WPBSA represented a significant restraint on the trade of professional snooker players and potential promoters.

"Only after we challenged this ruling in court did the WPBSA decide to rescind the A5 ruling."

The judge ruled that each side should pay their own legal costs, estimated at £500,000.