• UK Championship

Davis warned over decision to join I'm a Celebrity

Davis, a six-time UK Championship winner, will miss out on this year's competition © PA Photos

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Steve Davis has been warned that his decision to miss the UK Championship to star in ITV's I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! could cost him his place on tour.

Davis, 56, chose to head to Australia for the reality TV show rather than York's Barbican Centre, and although he is being paid a reported £250,000 for his appearance in the jungle, World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn says that decision could prove costly for his career.

Recent changes in the sport mean only the top 64, based on prize money earned, are guaranteed a spot on tour. Davis is currently at 59, only £5,000 inside the cutline.

Hearn told The Times: "The biggest dilemma Steve had over whether to do the jungle or not was the risk to his tour place.

"If Steve was outside the top 64, and wasn't in the eight extra places from the European Tour money list, he would be faced with going to Q-School to carry on.

"I think he would do that, he wants to carry on, but there would be absolutely no guarantee he would qualify. Steve could end up being 'King of the Jungle', but he could also very well end up losing his tour card. It is a calculated risk on his part.

"He has gone for the experience and enjoyment, if you can call it that, of being in the jungle for a month against the danger of seeing a 35-year professional career come to an end.

"Steve's decision could backfire on him. He could lose something really precious to him for a spell in the jungle, but he has made that decision after taking it all into account."

Davis has entered the final European Tour event of the season in Poland in February - which could prove vital in his bid to retain his playing rights for the 2014 campaign.

The UK Championship starts on Tuesday, where Mark Selby defends his title. Ronnie O'Sullivan is the favourite after victory in the inaugural Champion of Champions on Sunday.

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