Barry Hearn says snooker has the talent to succeed even after Ronnie O'Sullivan retires from the sport. “We'll find the next step and there are some young people coming out, especially the Chinese, who have incredible ability,” Hearn said, adding that the World Championships could leave Sheffield.
Last updated: 16/08/24 11:18am
Barry Hearn believes 48-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan has a long career ahead of him at top level snooker.
Barry Hearn is confident snooker will survive after Ronnie O'Sullivan retires, telling Sky Sports he once again sees the World Championship being moved around the world unless a new, bigger Crucible is built in Sheffield.
A seven-time world champion, the 48-year-old O'Sullivan remains one of snooker's biggest draws 32 years after turning pro alongside fellow '92 graduates Mark Williams and John Higgins.
The future of snooker has become a hot topic recently, with the Crucible's contract, which has hosted the World Championships every year since 1977, expiring in 2027.
Hearn said there was a lot of talent emerging in snooker, particularly in China.
World Snooker chairman Hearn wants a new venue built in the Yorkshire city, with the current venue seating just 980 people, and while he insists keeping it in Sheffield is the “first choice”, he is not ruling out going overseas on a rotational basis.
Hearn said of O'Sullivan: “Ronnie is a genius and doesn't follow the typical pattern of most sportsmen and sportswomen. That's an understatement.
“He's 48 and probably doing better than he's ever done in his life, so I think this young man can play for as long as he wants.
“But we're also involved in growing the sport globally, and the signs are there. We've had 30 years of incredible dominance and then we need to create a '92 class.
“We will take the next step. There are young players coming out with tremendous ability, especially from China.
“But let's see how they develop. It's clear that '92's class isn't over yet.”
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Sky Sports' Cam Hogwood explains how the Snooker World Championship could be moved from the tournament's iconic Crucible.
'The Crucible is our home, but it must be fit for purpose'
Asked whether the World Snooker Championships would leave Sheffield, Hearn said: “I think the state of snooker at the moment is up to Sheffield City Council.
“We love Sheffield, it’s been our home for 40 years and it has a history, but it has to be fit for purpose.
“Sheffield City Council is committed to finding a new Crucible and while it is likely to be successful, we must keep our options open if it is not.
“I don't think we can say 'our new home is Saudi Arabia' but if Sheffield can't deliver the 3,000-seat package we want, World Snooker will look to expand the World Championships around the world.
“One year we might be in Saudi Arabia, one year we might be in Beijing, one year we might come back to Sheffield. Our first choice is to stay in Sheffield. Make it happen.”
