Doherty to Lead New Players Body

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has today announced that former world champion Ken Doherty has been elected as chairman of the newly formed WPBSA Players organisation.

Last November saw key constitutional changes approved by WPBSA Members at an Extraordinary General Meeting, which included the creation of the new WPBSA Players body. Effectively a player’s association for professionals currently competing on the World Snooker Tour. WPBSA Players will sit alongside the existing WPBSA world governing body chaired by Jason Ferguson. This will continue to manage the sport’s global governance and development.

Doherty, who turned professional in 1990 will use his vast experience within the sport to help guide WPBSA Players over the coming years, with Peter Lines also elected as vice-chairman.

With support provided by fellow directors Nigel Bond, Ding Junhui and Mike Dunn, the Board will strive to best represent the interests of professional players currently competing on tour.

Ken Doherty said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chairman of the WPBSA’s players organisation. These are extremely difficult times for everyone, and the challenges faced by players are different from those they are used to. As a player’s association we will aim to represent their collective best interests and ensure that we all play our part in ensuring the safe continuation of the World Snooker Tour during this year and beyond.”

Jason Ferguson, WPBSA Chairman said: “With over 30 years of experience competing on the World Snooker Tour at the very highest level, combined with eight years of service on the Board of the WPBSA, Ken Doherty is an ideal choice to become the first Chairman of the WPBSA Players organisation.

“His appointment provides both continuity and expertise which together with the input provided by his fellow directors will ensure that our professional players are best represented in our sport moving forwards.”