CLIVE EVERTON was yesterday sacked as television commentator for the forthcoming World Cup in Bangkok after writing an article in the Guardian on the way snooker is run by its governing body.

Everton, 59, described the decision as "an act of petty revenge" by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association and its chairman, John Spencer.

In his article Everton highlighted the problems which the sport is currently experiencing in obtaining tournament backing. Everton also reported that leading figures within the game are questioning the competence of the board and its chairman.

Last night the WPBSA released a statement saying: "The WPBSA has until recently had a good working relationship with Clive Everton. Unfortunately, this relationship has now deteriorated to such an extent that we do not feel it is in the best interests of the sport for him to be involved in our forthcoming World Cup."