Snooker shake-up rocks Gunnell
Shropshire's Adrian Gunnell today admitted he is "ashamed to call himself a professional snooker player" after a dramatic shake-up of the sport's governing body. Shropshire's Adrian Gunnell today admitted he is "ashamed to call himself a professional snooker player" after a dramatic shake-up of the sport's governing body. Just 48 hours before the UK Championship, the second biggest tournament, begins at Telford International Centre, Sir Rodney Walker has been ousted as chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. The vote was taken at yesterday's annual meeting in Sheffield and the WPBSA is now set for a major overhaul, with promoter Barry Hearn poised to become the next chairman. Leading snooker stars such as world champion John Higgins and Crucible runner-up Shaun Murphy have been highly critical of the snooker authorities, bewildered by the fact there are only six ranking tournaments remaining on the calendar. But the treatment of Walker has left a nasty taste in the mouth of Telford cueman Gunnell. "It's left me shattered," said the 37-year-old. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Just 48 hours before the UK Championship, the second biggest tournament, begins at Telford International Centre, Sir Rodney Walker has been ousted as chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.
The vote was taken at yesterday's annual meeting in Sheffield and the WPBSA is now set for a major overhaul, with promoter Barry Hearn poised to become the next chairman.
Leading snooker stars such as world champion John Higgins and Crucible runner-up Shaun Murphy have been highly critical of the snooker authorities, bewildered by the fact there are only six ranking tournaments remaining on the calendar.
But the treatment of Walker has left a nasty taste in the mouth of Telford cueman Gunnell.
"It's left me shattered," said the 37-year-old, who is ranked 44th in the world.
"I think it's a terrible thing for snooker but we will have to wait and see what Barry Hearn's plans are.
"It's nothing personal against Barry but I felt so sorry for Rodney yesterday. The vote was so political. There have been a little group of players who have their own agendas and they have got together and campaigned to get him out.
"Nobody deserves to be treated the way Rodney was and I'm ashamed to call myself a professional snooker player today.
"The only thing that can be levelled against the board is a lack of tournaments - but last week they announced there would be 15 tournaments for next year.
"When Rodney took over, the sport was £1m in debt and now we have £3.5m in the bank and are on a very sound financial footing. But people don't want to look at that."
Gunnell admitted he was concerned for the long-term future of the sport beyond the elite - and believes the tense atmosphere of yesterday's meeting will filter over into Shropshire next week.
"I do think that some friendships have been ruined for good," he added.
Hearn is delighted to have the chance to revitalise snooker if, as expected, he is voted in as chairman in the near future.
"At this stage all I can promise the membership of the WPBSA is total transparency, coupled with a regular supply of truthful information," he said.
"It is the beginning of a new era in snooker - we start now."
By James Garrison
