Snooker: Higgins explains tour decision

John Higgins reached the quarter-finals of the Regal Welsh Open - and then explained why he will remain a member of the WPBSA tour next season.

The 1998 world champion said he was more than happy to stay with snooker's governing body.

He was speaking after a 5-3 victory over Peter Ebdon at Cardiff

"But I'll find it quite sad if there is a breakaway," he said.

That scenario looks increasingly likely as talks between the WPBSA and The Sportsmasters Network broke down last week and TSN, an internet/management company whose supporters include Stephen Hendry, fully intend to start up a rival pro-circuit for the 2001/2002 campaign.

But it was announced on Wednesday that the defending Regal Welsh champion has signed a three-year contract with the WPBSA - for an undisclosed sum - to "promote world snooker and its tournaments".

Higgins, formerly managed by TSN chairman Ian Doyle before a less-than-amicable split in 1994, said: "I've heard a few TSN players say that it doesn't matter who runs the company as long as we make money.

"But I can only urge the group representing them to work together with the WPBSA and we could have a great tour.

"Everything is in black and white when it comes to the WPBSA tour. The prize structure is laid down for next season and the venues are booked so I think it would be more of a gamble to go with the new tour.

"No one really knows what's happening with TSN and I don't know what exposure they'll be able to give players."

Mark Williams, one of the TSN trump cards, eased into the quarter-finals and kept alive hopes of a third Regal Welsh title since 1996 with a 5-1 victory over fellow left-hander Mark King.