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Hearn plans world revamp

by Setanta Staff , 15 February 2012

World Snooker supremo Barry Hearn has admitted he is planning moves to shake up the sport's blue riband event, the World Championship.


The Crucible showpiece is snooker's biggest tournament and had been believed to be untouchable as regards to Hearn's plan when he initially took control of the game.

However, Hearn is determined to keep the image of the sport moving forward and is now looking at improving the format of the World Championship.

The top players are thought to have had it easy for too long and Hearn is looking at extending the draw from 64 players to 128, possibly over multiple venues initially.

The 63-year-old also believes that he can increase the prize-winning cheque to £1million with a revamp of the format, something which is sure to win over the support of the players.

"We would do the first two rounds in multi-table situations at another venue, and could even hold a couple of matches over," Hearn told the Daily Mirror.

"Realistically this might have to wait a couple of years. A lot of my current TV contracts say I have to guarantee the top 16 at the Crucible, top 16 here, top 16 there.

"That is something we have to look at, be creative and work on to get people to accept that players have to earn that right constantly.

"But this is what I see as the only way, the world championship can be massive."

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