A new independent body representing professional snooker players has emerged, with four-time world champion John Higgins appointed as chairman of the Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA).
Thirteen prominent players have joined the organisation's board, including current world champion Kyren Wilson, 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.
The association intends to collaborate with existing snooker authorities whilst providing players with greater influence over the sport's direction.
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John Higgins has been appointed as chairman of the Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA)
|PA
Matthew Selt will serve as a director alongside legal representatives Ben Rees and Mark Kenkre.
Growing dissatisfaction amongst elite players has driven the formation of this independent association.
Higgins expressed his concerns to BBC Sport, stating: "We feel as though we've not been listened to as we should have been in recent years."
The Scottish veteran highlighted the sport's stagnation compared to its competitors. "The game has not moved forward with the times compared to other top sports," he said.
Players seek enhanced participation in the sport's administration and greater involvement in commercial arrangements.
Higgins emphasised the need for reform, declaring: "Snooker deserves a strong, independent players' association that stands for fairness, transparency, and progress."
The PSPA aims to establish a "collaborative relationship" with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), WPBSA Players and World Snooker Limited, the commercial arm managing professional events and broadcasting rights.
Despite not appearing on the official board, seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan supports the initiative. Higgins revealed: "I've had lots of discussions with Ronnie. He's really excited about it, so it's full steam ahead."
Reports suggest Chinese stars Ding Junhui and Xiao Guodong are also expected to participate.
The association pledges to "safeguard player welfare" whilst bringing increased transparency to decision-making processes within professional snooker.
John Higgins has been joined by a stellar cast at PSPA, including former world champion Kyren Wilson
|PA
The WPBSA established its own players' body in 2020, featuring Ken Doherty, Mark Davis, Ben Woollaston and Tian Pengfei on its board, with Neil Robertson joining recently.
However, several leading professionals believe this existing structure fails to adequately represent their concerns.
Mark Allen had previously advocated for an independent union, telling the Irish Daily Mirror: "I don't think the WPBSA Players' Board is running the way it should be."
Allen, now part of the PSPA board, had expressed enthusiasm for greater involvement: "I'd love to be involved. I'm someone who's very passionate about the sport."
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