Top players begin legal challenge

Two leading players yesterday opened their legal action against the sport's world governing body, alleging that the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association is restricting their ability to earn a living.

Mark Williams, the world No 1, and Stephen Hendry, the No 3, went to the High Court yesterday. They claim the WPBSA is misusing its monopoly to control the rules and commercial exploitation of the game.

Williams and Hendry want the High Court to quash new rules that threaten disciplinary action against players who take part in tournaments not controlled by the WSA.

"If rule-making and discipline were in the hands of an independent body, things might be different. But they are not," their lawyer, Philip Shepherd, said.