John Higgins blasts snooker chiefs over scheduling clash

Aug 23 2008 By Neil Goulding

JOHN HIGGINS last night let rip at snooker chiefs for a scheduling clash that will force him to choose between facing legal action and losing ranking points.

He is raging at World Snooker, the sport's governing body, for organising a new ranking event in the same week as Barry Hearn's PartyPoker.com Premier League.

If the Scot withdraws from the Premier League event on November 13, Hearn could sue him for breach of contract.

And if he turns his back on the Bahrain tournament, which runs from November 8 to 15, he will lose valuable rankings points.

Higgins, who starts the new season tomorrow at the Northern Ireland Trophy in Belfast, said: "It's laughable really that they (World Snooker) have chosen these dates.

"I'm going to have to look at the legal implications. It's not the best situation to be in and I'm going to lose out whatever I decide to do.

"I'd love to play in the Bahrain tournament. It's good news we've got another event but why didn't they find some other dates?

"There are plenty of gaps in the calendar, especially between January and March.

"It just looks as if they haven't event given the dates a thought. Why would you clash them with the Premier League?"

Six-time world champion Steve Davis - who is managed by Hearn - Masters champ Mark Selby and former UK champion Ding Junhui are also scheduled to feature in the Premier League in Haywards Heath, Sussex. But Higgins' manager Pat Mooney is clear on the situation. He said: "John is contracted to play in the Premier League and he intends to honour his contract.

"We'll be looking at the legal position with regards his ranking points. He'll be disadvantaged by not going to Bahrain."

World Snooker claim they had found it difficult to find a date for their new event.

A spokesman said: "We would avoid a clash if possible but on this occasion it's been unavoidable."

Meanwhile, defending champion Stephen Maguire is relishing the chance to shine in the first tournament of the new season.

The Glaswegian potter heads to the Northern Ireland Trophy confident of retaining his title.

Last season the world No.2 beat Dubliner Fergal O'Brien to land the top prize and is aiming for a repeat this time.

He said: "I'm feeling in good form but you've got to transfer your practice form on to the match table.

"It was so important to me to win it last year because I hadn't won a tournament for three long years.

"Basically, I had forgotten what it was like to pick up a trophy."