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Barry Hearn wants to return snooker to the popularity it enjoyed in the mid-1980s
Barry Hearn says he wants to return snooker to the popularity it enjoyed in the mid-1980s. Photograph: David Levene
Barry Hearn says he wants to return snooker to the popularity it enjoyed in the mid-1980s. Photograph: David Levene

Barry Hearn wins vote to take control of World Snooker

This article is more than 13 years old
Promotor backed by 35 of sport's top 64 players
Will raise prize money and introduce more tournaments

Barry Hearn was today handed control of World Snooker after claiming a narrow victory in a vote of the sport's top 64 players. The veteran promoter will, through his Matchroom Sport business, take a 51% controlling stake in the commercial business, which will now be separated from the regulatory body, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

Hearn believes he can return snooker to the levels of popularity it enjoyed in the mid-1980s, and has promised higher prize-money, greater television exposure and more tournaments.

Until the former Olympic shooter and businessman John Davison came forward with a rival bid last week, Hearn looked certain to get the go-ahead. However, Davison's proposal meant the final vote was tight, with Hearn prevailing by 35 to 29 at a WPBSA extraordinary general meeting in Sheffield.

"I'm delighted by the outcome," said Hearn. "I do not underestimate the challenges that lie ahead, but for the moment snooker is united and the future looks rosy. I owe the game a lot and I will make sure that I will be giving 100% every day to bring it to the level at which it should be operating."

Davison, who competed in clay pigeon shooting at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and has had a successful career in private equity, turned down an invitation to attend the EGM after claiming his bid was not being afforded the same platform as the proposal from Hearn.

Hearn, who has had business success across sports including darts, boxing and golf, had a high profile in snooker during the 1980s and returned to the front line in December when he was a popular choice as chairman of the WPBSA.

Davison had support from several notable figures, including players such as Stephen Hendry, Ding Junhui and Peter Ebdon. However, at a meeting of players which followed the recent World Championship, Hearn won over many who were initially sceptical about his plans.

Hearn has pledged that prize money will rise from £3.5m in 2009-10 to £4.5m in 2010-11, and has also promised to return control to the WPBSA if he fails with his venture.

Next season's calendar includes a variety of new tournaments, including a quick-fire Shoot-Out event, a ranking event in Germany, a World Seniors Championship and a Player Tour Championship series.

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