ALEX HIGGINS launched another verbal attack on snooker's governing body after going out of the £1.2 million World Championship in Blackpool last night. The player's hopes of reaching the final stages of the tournament at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre ended with a 10-7 defeat by Surinder Gill in the eighth qualifying round.

Higgins has been knocked out of the first nine ranking events this season. After last night's defeat, he threatened action against the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association whom, he claimed, had deprived him of his livelihood.

"I have 17 charges against the Association and over the next few weeks if they don't answer them, I'll see them in the High Court," said Higgins. "My livelihood has been taken by the Association. I expect damages. The ball will start rolling as soon as I get to London. There is a roomful of evidence."

Higgins may now have to attend another disciplinary hearing as, following last night's match, off duty referee Lawrie Annandale issued an official complaint against him for a "derogatory remark".

World number 91 Gill was always in control and led 6-3 after the first session. Higgins briefly threatened to fight back when recovering from an 8-4 deficit to trail 9-7, but Gill comfortably won the 17th frame 85-26 to move into the last 64.