World snooker to stay at Crucible - Hearn

The Sheffield theatre has been home to the tournament since 1977 and will remain so until 2015 under a new agreement which was formally announced today but revealed earlier this month.

Hearn said: "This is the home of snooker. While I have a breath in my body this event stays at the Crucible because this is where it's meant to be.

"This is no longer the city of steel, this is the city of snooker and we would not mess with the crown jewels.

"One hopes and prays we are successful enough to justify an extension of our invitation to Sheffield."

As chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Hearn has been thrilled by the packed houses for almost every session this year, a contrast to the rows of empty seats which were frequently seen 12 months ago.