Smoke clears to reveal way forward

As Pauline conversions go this was a whopper. Stub out the fag, get healthy, buy a waistcoat. The event formerly known as the Benson and Hedges Irish Masters no longer carries a government health warning and will be backed for the next three years by the Department of Health and Children.

Who said that snooker is unable to evolve? As the curtain came down last year, through European legislation on tobacco sponsorship in sport, the Citywest Irish Masters, in conjunction with the health department, has secured one of the most enduring events on the calendar.

"We banned the sponsorship of tobacco products but were of the opinion that we did not want to undermine sport," said Minister of Health Micheal Martin yesterday.

"We've a very simple message in mind. That's quite simply that smoking is bad for you."

The government backing may also provide a useful precedent for the game of snooker, which is currently in danger of fracturing as a proposed parallel tour, backed by city bank Warburg and £10 million, is due to start next season. Fraught with the problems which now surround tobacco sponsorship, the game is divided on the way forward.

Former world champion John Higgins has already pitched his tent with the incumbent World Snooker Association while a number of other top players have marched behind the new banner of Glasgow millionaire Ian Doyle and the company TSN.

It was an issue few were willing to discuss in any detail, although last week's Welsh Open winner Ken Doherty was clearly on the side of the revolution. Doherty attended the launch with 12 of the top players in the world, including world number one and current world champion Mark Williams, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"Hopefully it will come to a compromise," said Doherty. "We don't know what's happening. We've a meeting with TSN this week in Scotland. I think the game will be in good shape and, if TSN have a tour, they will run it fantastically well.

"There is no animosity over John's (Higgins) decision. I don't think he's spoken to TSN. We're best friends but I think he may have made his decision quite hastily. I don't think he's realised what he's gotten himself in for."

Higgins was more concerned about his game and although not currently burning up the baize has positive recollections about the Irish Masters.

"Last year I played some good stuff," said Higgins. "It was great to win but it was doubly better to actually get a 147 on the way to winning the tournament. I was very honoured to be the first person to make one in the competition. I've only ever done two 147s, the other in the Nations' Cup last year."

The event, which moves from its traditional home at Goffs where it has been since 1978 to the Citywest Hotel, has a prize fund of £195,000 with a first prize of £75,000. As was pointed out by tournament director Kevin Norton, the winner's cheque is equal in value to the £62,000Stg Doherty won last week in Cardiff.

The venue at the hotel can comfortably hold 1,200 with more space available if required, while RTE have committed themselves to covering the event for the six days. The tournament draw will not take place until the end of next month and the competition runs from March 27th-April 1st.