Hearn: Curtain could come down on Crucible Theatre hosting world c’ship

Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre is to snooker what Wimbledon is for tennis but its days of hosting the world championship could be numbered, according to Matchroom Sport president Barry Hearn.

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Since first hosting the tournament in 1977, the venue has provided the backdrop to a golden age for snooker but Hearn says it is no longer fit for purpose.

With the hosting contract expiring in two years, Matchroom, which has largely controlled snooker since 2010, is heavily involved in negotiations and Hearn says ideally the World Snooker Tour wants to stay.

But the 76-year-old, whose son Eddie is Matchroom chairman, has called on Sheffield city council to expand the venue from its 980-capacity or face losing the event.

“It's black and white: we love the Crucible, we love Sheffield, but the Crucible and Sheffield have got to love us,” Hearn, former chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) told BBC 5 Live.