Snooker stars threaten strike action

Snooker : Snooker's top stars have threatened strike action over the BBC's position on waistcoat sponsorship.

The broadcaster has a deal with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association preventing players wearing multiple logos at BBC-televised events, such as the current 888.com World Championship.

At present, players are allowed one logo in addition to the mandatory 888.com patch, which they have to wear for free.

Six-time world champion Steve Davis wrote a letter, signed by fellow professionals, urging the BBC to relax their stance.

"I've never known the players be so united on anything like this before in over 30 years of playing the game," Davis told the News of the World. "Why can darts players have four logos but we are allowed just two?"

Davis' manager Barry Hearn added: "The players could go on strike."

Former UK champion Stephen Maguire agrees saying: "What if we decided to strike?

"At the end of the day, we've all got to make a living. I've got a family to feed and so have a lot of other players.

"If I don't have a good season then I've probably lost over 50 per cent of my income by losing a waistcoat logo."

Deposed world champion John Higgins said: "We have to maximise the commercial potential we have as top sports players."

While 2005 Crucible winner Shaun Murphy, also out of this year's tournament, added: "We don't get a fair crack of the whip, it's sad."

As well as the World Championships, the BBC have the broadcast rights for the UK Championship, the Masters and the Grand Prix - the most important events on the calendar.

Responding to Davis' letter, BBC head of TV Sport Editorial Philip Bernie said: "The current position allows for reasonable reflection for the players' sponsors.

"Anything more would fall foul of the BBC's editorial guidelines, which we must adhere to at all times."