Snooker Players Revolt: Higgins Leads Shock Move That Could Reshape the Game

Snooker has always been described as a game of patience, precision, and tradition. But now, a rebellion is brewing that could shake the foundations of the sport. At the heart of this movement? Four-time world champion John Higgins.

The Birth of the PSPA

In 2025, a new group was officially born: the Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA).

With Higgins as chairman and director, joined by Matthew Selt and two heavyweight sports lawyers, Ben Ree and Mark Kank, the association promises to give players something they’ve never truly had—an independent voice.

Big Names, Bigger Statement

The PSPA’s player board is stacked: Jud Trump, Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, Ali Carter, Stuart Bingham, Stephen Maguire, Gary Wilson, Joe Perry, Ryan Day, Barry Hawkins, and Jack Lisowski.

Even more explosive, Ronnie O’Sullivan has signed on as a member. Add in China’s Ding Junhui and Xiao Xintong, and suddenly the PSPA isn’t a fringe group—it’s a revolution.

Why Now?

For years, players have complained about being ignored on issues ranging from sponsorship and broadcasting rights to tournament conditions.

Higgins himself admitted:

“We feel as though we’ve not been listened to as we should have been in recent years. The game has not moved forward with the times compared to other top sports.”

What the PSPA Wants

The association’s mission can be summed up in three words: fairness, transparency, progress.

A true independent voice in governance.
Better welfare support for lower-ranked players.
More accountability in meetings and decision-making.
Freedom in image rights and non-tour events.

As one lawyer put it:

“Without proper support, the next Ronnie, the next Trump… they’ll fall by the wayside.”

The Stakes

Rumors of breakaway tours have loomed since 2024, with offers from China and North America tempting players. The PSPA insists it doesn’t want division but won’t back down either.

World Snooker and the WPBSA responded cautiously, reminding fans of record prize pots like the £2m Saudi Masters. But Higgins and his allies argue money isn’t the only issue—it’s about respect and future stability.

Revolt or Evolution?

Some in the media call this a “players’ revolt.” Others say it’s the long overdue correction snooker needs.

Whatever the label, one thing is certain: with 13 top names, O’Sullivan’s support, and legal firepower, this is the most serious push for reform in decades.

And as Higgins said himself:

“This could be massive for the growth of the game.”

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Future vs Legend: Stan Moody’s Wuhan Breakthrough and Ronnie’s Next Move

Stop scrolling. The Wuhan Open just gave us two storylines you can’t script: an 18-year-old destroying a world top-10, and a legend planning his future after snooker.

stan moody’s shock run

Rank 61, only 18, wipes Barry Hawkins 5–0 with a 466–39 scoreline.
431 unanswered points — pure demolition.
Already ended “the Ding curse” earlier in the week.
Now into his first ranking quarterfinal vs defending champ Xiao Xintong.

Italic aside: 431 points without reply. That’s not luck — that’s dominance.

why it matters

Snooker’s seen teen shocks before: Ronnie in the 90s, Ding in 2005, Luke Littler effect in darts. Moody could be that figure for UK snooker’s next generation. Jason Ferguson (WPBSA chair) says he can “inspire another generation,” echoing how China seeded cues in schools.

ronnie’s pivot

Age 49, still producing magic: semi at 2025 Worlds, two 147s in one match, near miss on £500k jackpot in Saudi.
No ranking title since Jan ’24, but insists: “I’ll let you know when I’m done. I’m not done.”
Future plan? Switch to Chinese 8-ball, chase another world crown in Asia.
Quote: “When I retire from snooker, I want to become world champion in Chinese eightball.”

legacy vs future

Moody’s fearless: “I just potted everything. Hopefully it’s the same in the next game.”
Ronnie’s relentless: “Never question me. I’ll tell you when I’m finished.”

Italic aside (centered):
The future isn’t waiting. The legend isn’t leaving.

wrap

This Wuhan Open isn’t just about results. It’s about what happens when a teenager announces himself — and a legend announces he’s not finished, just evolving.

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