Judge rules against snooker break-up bid
Wednesday, 27 June 2001 11:19Seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry, world number one Mark Williams and The Sportsmasters Network, now known as 110 Sport, today failed to secure a High Court order designed to break up World Snooker. The order, had it been granted, would have separated the commercial and regulatory functions of the sport's governing body.
World Snooker would have been able to set the rules of the sport or sell the commercial rights but not both. Paul Goulding QC, counsel for World Snooker, argued that if TSN wanted the trial judge Mr Justice Lloyd to order the break up of World Snooker, they would have to seek permission to amend their technical legal documents.
Mr Justice Lloyd agreed. He said that if TSN and the players wished to argue that the court should break up the World Snooker they would have to seek permission to amend this document.
He said he was unwilling to grant that permission and would give detailed reasons for his decision later. TSN have the right to seek permission from the Appeal Court to challenge the decision. Meanwhile, the court case continues.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
