John Higgins lands major new role at snooker's top table as he tells chiefs ‘the game hasn't moved forward with times'

The Sun

5 days ago

SCOTTISH snooker star John Higgins has agreed to spearhead a new players' union aimed at giving the sports' top stars more of a voice in the game.
Four-time world champion Higgins has been appointed the chairman of the Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA), which already has a string of top players signed up including seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan.
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The PSPA is aimed at giving snooker's stars a 'stronger voice" and could be "massive" for the growth of the game.
"We feel as though we've not been listened to as we should have been in recent years", said Higgins.
"The game has not moved forward with the times compared to other top sports.
"Snooker deserves a strong, independent players' association that stands for fairness, transparency and progress."
The PSPA has established a new players board which includes world number one Judd Trump and other big names including Scotland's Stephen Maguire, as well as Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby, Barry Hawkins, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter, Gary Wilson, Stuart Bingham, Jack Lisowski, Mark Allen, Ryan Day and Joe Perry.
Getting O'Sullivan on board was a big aim of the PSPA, especially because of his worldwide appeal.
"I've had lots of discussions with Ronnie" revealed Higgins. "He's really excited about it, so it's full steam ahead."
After an excellent season last time out, Higgins saw his Shanghai Masters title hopes frustratingly ended at the first hurdle.
Four-time world champion Higgins last month crashed to a surprise 6-4 loss to China's Xiao Guodong at the opening ranking event of the new season.