Chief Executives at the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) could be forgiven recently for being fatalistic about the job. This week Peter Middleton was sacked from the post after an e.g.m. was hastily convened in a room at Heathrow airport.

Middleton (59), and also chairman of the football league, was dismissed by four votes to three. Middleton's supporters included former world champions Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor, and Jason Ferguson.

Once again snooker has shown itself to be divided down the middle in the face of a mounting crisis over tobacco sponsorship, which will inevitably come to an end.

Middleton follows Jim McKenzie, who was dismissed in November 1997 after five months in office. More fireworks promised.