- Ronnie O'Sullivan is one of only three shareholders of NST Worldwide
- The World Snooker Tour said they “reject the claims and will defend them”
The opening day of the Masters at Alexandra Palace was overshadowed after a company partly owned by Ronnie O'Sullivan launched a £10.2million lawsuit against snooker bosses.
NST Worldwide, in which O'Sullivan is one of only three shareholders, has taken the World Snooker Tour and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association to the Competiton Court of Appeal for “abuse of its dominant position” in the game.
The company, created in 2022 by billiards promoter Jason Francis and lawyer Mayus Karia, claims that “illegal and anti-competitive practices” have been used to prevent players from competing in rival tournaments. The World Snooker Tour said they “reject the claims and will defend them.”
The shocking legal action follows an attempt by Francisco to organize a series of four events featuring the biggest names in the sport.
Only two of the four were sanctioned by the World Snooker Tour, whose players sign contracts that prevent them from competing in outside events unless granted permission.
Francis said in a statement: “My company NST Worldwide Ltd has commenced legal proceedings in the Competition Appeal Tribunal against World Snooker Ltd (WSL) and WPBSA for abuse of its dominant position in contravention of section 18 of the Competition Act 1998. .
A company partly owned by Ronnie O'Sullivan has filed a £10.2m lawsuit against snooker bosses
The World Snooker Tour and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association have been accused of “abusing their dominant position” in the game.
'The WSL's illegal and anti-competitive practices have prevented professional players from playing in tournaments, events or matches organized by competing promoters.
'NST claims £10.2 million in damages plus interest and declarations from the Tribunal to invalidate the terms used by the WSL to abuse its dominant position by controlling players and erecting barriers to entry for competitors like NST.'
O'Sullivan was one of the stars linked to the Channel 4 series. However, while he owns shares in NST, he is not involved in the day-to-day running of the business.
The 49-year-old withdrew from the Masters title defense for medical reasons on Friday, with Neil Robertson taking his place and beating John Higgins 6-5 in yesterday's opening match.
“I'm so happy I was able to take advantage of my opportunity,” Robertson said.