Hearn optimistic players will accept plan

Barry Hearn remains optimistic the players will approve his plans to shake up top-tier snooker despite the resignation of the influential Lee Doyle from the board of the world governing body.

Doyle, chairman of the 110sport management group which represents stars including Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry, quit as a director of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association in protest at Hearn's plans yesterday.