, and are among the stars now eligible to compete in World Seniors Snooker (WSS) events after its partnership with the World Snooker Tour (WST) was terminated. Players over the age of 40 who compete on the WST were previously able to cross over to the WSS, but only if they were outside the top 64 in the world rankings - something that has since changed.

WSS had been pushing for this rule to be amended for several years, with the organisation wanting any players over the age of 45 to be eligible while WST events are not taking place, regardless of their WST affiliation. And it appears they've got their wish, with the current agreement between the WSS and WST set to come to an end following the World Seniors Championship in May.

A statement from WSS explaining the decision read: "Following a request from World Seniors Snooker to include players currently inside the top 64 on the World Rankings, and attempts to negotiate these changes to allow WST and WSS to continue in partnership, a compromise was unable to be met.

"WSS is aware some tour players within the top 64, and over the age of 45, have approached WST to request permission to play in WSS Events. Also the WPBSA Players Board were supportive of the changes in the WST Tour players contract, which allow any third party promoter to invite any tour player irrespective of their ranking position, should also apply to WSS.

"WST extended the option to terminate the agreement which WSS have chosen to exercise. As a result, both parties have mutually agreed to an early termination of the Sanctioning Agreement, which will take effect on May 12, following the conclusion of the 2025 World Seniors Snooker Championship.

"WST and WSS remain committed to the sport of snooker and recognise the contributions of players at all levels. Both organisations sincerely appreciate the support of players, fans, and stakeholders and look forward to continuing to celebrate the rich history and future of the game."

It comes amid an existing . NST Worldwide, of which Francis is a director, launched legal proceedings against the WST earlier this year, citing "unlawful and anti-competitive practices".

They believe that WST rules have prevented players from "playing in tournaments, events, or matches organised by competitor promoters". WST vowed to fight the accusation after rejecting the claim made by NST Worldwide.

In relation to the latest announcement, Francis wrote on X: "The announcement of today's agreement with World Snooker, which I signed a week ago, means from next season any pro player over 45 can accept an invitation or enter a qualifier for TV seniors event provided it is staged on a day of no World Snooker event. Hope that explains all the messages.

"Seniors now have the chance to use the bigger names to stage more events with more players and more prize money and more opportunities for amateur players... dare to dream."