Duo switch to snooker rebels

The recruitment drive by snooker rebels 110sport shows no sign of slowing down after two more professionals joined their ranks today.

The arrivals of top-16 ranked Mark King and Anthony Davies takes the number of defections since the end of last season up to six.

There are now 26 players under contract to the East Kilbride based management stable - formerly known as The Sportsmasters Network - including world number one Mark Williams and seven times world champion Stephen Hendry.

These latest signings come just a week before 110sport meet the game’s governing body, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, in the High Court.

110sport are challenging what they claim is an abuse of the WPBSA’s monopoly position in the sport.

Essex left-hander King is up to 13th in the world rankings for the 2001-2002 campaign, while Davies will be competing as a member of the top 32 for the first time next season.

‘‘This is my highest ever ranking and I want to concentrate all my efforts on playing snooker, knowing I can leave the rest to my management team,’’ said the 27-year-old from Romford.

Davies, from Barry Island, added: ‘‘I only had to look at what 110sport have done for others to know this was the right move for me at this stage in my career.’’