The long running prosecution of Mike Russell and Peter Gilchrist by the WPBSA was abruptly discontinued by the Governing Body on 18th December. The enquiry, which related to alleged "match fixing" in the 1999 Lindrum Masters in Australia had already involved the two players in several hearings. The WPBSA, who were represented by top London barristers and had engaged referee Len Ganley as an "expert witness", are understood to have incurred costs in the region of £120,000. The complaint was brought by Snooker Scene editor Clive Everton and supported by Roxton Chapman, both of whom were due to give evidence in the hearing.
Attempts to resolve the funding problems of the WPBSA by entering into a deal with 110sport (formerly TSN) have ended in failure, both parties blaming each other. The package was expected to have been worth in the region of £50m over five years. Without any significant new sponsorship deals it seems inevitable that the WPBSA will have to significantly cut expenditure on the main Snooker Circuit. With professional billiards being wholly dependant on WPBSA subsidies— which this season amounted to £140,000—it must also be a matter of concern for the billiards fraternity.
Ethnic unrest in India has led to the cancellation of the World Professional Championship which had been scheduled to take place in that country during April. With ongoing rioting making the headlines, it was decided not to risk the safety of players and the event has now been rescheduled for the more tranquil environment of Midsomer Norton from 18th- 24th May. Qualifying competitions will be held in April to determine a line-up of 16 players for the main event, which will be covered in depth in our next issue.