SNOOKER'S relaxed new dress code is wrong according to the star who is defending the UK Championship in York next month, writes Hugh MacDougal.

Former world champion John Higgins told the Evening Press that he does not agree with players now being able to play without ties and in coloured shirts if they want to.

This season the World Snooker Association bowed to calls from players to do away with the rule insisting they wear bow ties, white shirts and waistcoats.

But Higgins wants the WSA to think again about the dress code and revert to players having to wear traditional attire.

"I am straight down the middle when it comes to my appearance when I play," he said. "My sponsors require me to wear tie, waistcoat and white shirt, but actually I prefer it.

"I don't think it looks right when one player is in an open necked coloured shirt and his opponent wearing something different.

"I think the WSA should perhaps look again at the dress code regulations."

The UK Championship is being held at York's Barbican Leisure Centre from Monday, December 3, to Sunday, December 16.

Higgins, who is bidding to win the title for the third time in four years, starts his opening match at noon on Saturday, December 8, a best of 17 frames second round tie against either Chris Small or Robert Milkins.

There are still plenty of seats available for the early round matches with more information available from The Barbican Leisure Centre box office on (01904) 656688.

- Don't miss miss our 'York in the Frame' free guide to the UK Championship, in next Wednesday's Evening Press.

Updated: 11:47 Saturday, November 24, 2001