Results for: Barry Hearn

Ding Junhui, a prominent figure in the world of snooker, has voiced his support for a global tour of the World Snooker Championship. The tournament, currently held annually at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, is set to relocate after its contract expires in 2027. Matchroom Sport chairman Barry Hearn has indicated interest in a global tour, with potential destinations including Saudi Arabia, Beijing, and Las Vegas. Ding believes that the World Championship, as its name suggests, should encompass a global audience and create new markets for the sport.

Barry Hearn, the former World Snooker chairman and president of Matchroom, has warned Sheffield City Council that the city’s days of hosting the World Snooker Championship are numbered unless the Crucible is replaced with a larger venue. Hearn says there is no room for sentiment when the venue’s current deal expires in 2027, adding, “It’s all about the money.”

Barry Hearn, former World Snooker chairman and president of Matchroom, has issued an ultimatum to Sheffield City Council: either replace the Crucible with a larger venue or risk losing the World Snooker Championship after its current deal expires in 2027. Hearn emphasizes the financial imperative of maximizing revenue and suggests that other locations, such as Saudi Arabia or China, may be more lucrative. Despite criticism of the Crucible’s conditions from Hossein Vafaei, leading players like Shaun Murphy and Jimmy White remain supportive of its historic significance. Sheffield City Council maintains its commitment to the tournament and is reportedly in regular discussions with World Snooker Tour to secure its future.

Players on the World Snooker Tour are free to participate in events outside the tour, but they must avoid conflicts with WST tournaments. Barry Hearn, chairman of WST, emphasized the increasing prize funds and new events on the main circuit, urging players to stay involved. However, he acknowledged that players nearing the end of their careers might be drawn to guaranteed earnings elsewhere.

The future of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield is hanging in the balance, with Matchroom Sport president Barry Hearn warning that the event could leave the Crucible Theatre in 2027 if the city council does not agree to build a larger venue. Hearn has made it clear that he wants the championship to remain in Sheffield, but only if the council commits to a new arena with a capacity of 2,500-3,000 people. The council has yet to indicate whether it will support Hearn’s proposal, leaving open the possibility that the tournament could move to a different location, either in the UK or abroad.