Hearn takes control of World Snooker

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.