Rocket hails Hearn plans

World number one gives backing to Hearn manifesto

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 7th April 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rocket hails Hearn plans

O'Sullivan: Behind Hearn plans

There's a lot of playing opportunities there. In my opinion it has to happen.

Ronnie O'Sullivan
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has called for his fellow snooker players to "see sense" and get behind Barry Hearn's plans to radically revamp the sport.

The world No.1 has expressed his support for the new World Snooker chief ahead of the Betfred.com World Championship, which gets underway on April 17.

Players will vote on whether to accept Hearn's reform plans, which include a proposal for an extended professional tour with more competitions, after the Crucible showpiece.

Opportunity

The manifesto has come under fire for favouring the top players, but O'Sullivan insists all players should back the veteran promoter, as he is presenting the rare opportunity to incorporate fresh ideas into the sport.

In a break from tradition Hearn confirmed today that players would enter the Crucible arena to music of their choice, and three-time former world champion O'Sullivan is completely behind his revolutionary ideas.

"It has to be voted through," said O'Sullivan.

"There's a lot of playing opportunities there. In my opinion it has to happen.

"Whether it does or not we'll have to see but I'm sure the players will see sense.

"If they don't I'm sure Barry won't be hanging around and we're back to square one and it's all over."

Hearn has already made it clear that he will step down as chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association if the players vote against his proposals.

Faith

"I think sometimes you have to back people and allow people to do what they do," said O'Sullivan.

"We're lucky to have these people involved so whatever they want to do I think you have to back them with a little blind faith."

Hearn added: "Players will do what they're going to do and they'll get what they get. If they share the vision they'll get the benefits. If they don't share that's okay."

Comments (1)

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James Vincent says...

Fair play to these guys, they are recognising that snooker needs to freshen up and take a new commercial approach and a more fan friendly image. Let the crowds go a little potty, let the players have a joke. Lets see more ranking tournaments, i think a higher standard of snooker will result and more competition for ranking events.

Posted 10:05 9th April 2010
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