A bigger Crucible Theatre to host the event in the future

The World Championship can safeguard its long-term future in Sheffield by building a bigger Crucible Theatre to host the event, according to former World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn.

WST are halfway through a 10-year agreement to stage the sport's blue-chip event at the 980-seat venue and do not pay any rent to Sheffield City Council to hold the tournament over 17 days in April and May with all profit from tickets being ploughed back into the sport's main commercial organisation.

Hearn admits he is "totally committed" to staying in Sheffield, but would like to see the local area adapt to the need for a larger venue that could potentially attract greater hospitality for fans and sponsorship.