Snooker's governing body has won a major victory in their escalating civil war with internet company The Sportsmasters Network.

Just hours after TSN announced they had signed up Jimmy White, BBC Television confirmed it will be honouring their six-year contract estimated to be worth £18m with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

It is a major coup for the WPBSA. Managing director Jim McKenzie said: "Now the BBC have made their commitment more widely known to the snooker world, I believe the TSN players will want to expose their talents with a terrestrial broadcaster.

"It's extremely welcome news that the BBC is committed to the term of their six-year contract.

Extensive coverage

"We don't regard this is a victory because we don't see there is a conflict. We are the governing body and we are conducting our business as usual for the best interests of our membership."

The BBC, currently showing extensive coverage of the Benson and Hedges Masters, also broadcasts the game's two other major tournaments, the Embassy World Championship and the UK Championship.

In addition it also covers the Grand Prix.

ITV have the Champions Cup and the Nations Cup while BSkyB show the British Open and Regal Scottish Open. Channels 4 and 5 currently do not broadcast any snooker tournaments.

"The TSN players are still members of the Association and we believe they will want to play under the auspices of the Association going forward," said McKenzie.

World tour plans

McKenzie said he was still happy to talk with TSN but considered his bargaining position had been suitably strengthened by the news.

TSN have always been committed to starting their own world tour next September even before the television card became an issue.

White is linking up with other leading TSN stars including seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, current world title holder and world number one Mark Williams, plus Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ken Doherty.

Until Wednesday, White had been undecided about his future but he said: "I want to play against the best players in the game and the best have already committed themselves to the TSN world tour."

Among the non-TSN players are John Higgins, who recently signed a three-year deal with World Snooker, Steve Davis, John Parrott, Matthew Stevens, Alan McManus and Peter Ebdon.