Ebdon backs Davison's new deal to take control of game

Businessman and former Olympian Davison was central to the failed Altium bid in 2002, which Ebdon opposed. But his fresh bid to challenge Barry Hearn for control of the sport has the backing of the 2002 world champion.

Ebdon was vehemently opposed to Hearn's plans – which would see his Matchroom company take a permanent 51 per cent stake in World Snooker – insisting during the recent World Championship: "This is not for a year, this is not for ten years. This is it, forever, gone. You cannot possibly give control of the association away under any circumstances."

Davison's bid would see him take a stake of 63 per cent, but for a fixed 15-year period, after which the WPBSA would be able to make the rights available for tender once again. He has pledged that prize-money will rise from the current 3.5 million to 5m for next season – Hearn has promised 4.5m – and stated there will be 10 ranking events, rising to 11 in 2011/12.

Ebdon told 110sport.tv: "This proposal is fantastic news for all professional players and those who aspire to join their ranks in the future. This is a hugely credible alternative and from my perspective is a no-brainer.

"Any player who has an interest in the future of snooker has to see Davison's route as the way forward.

The entire crux of the matter for me is that we (the players] will still be in control."