Hardline Barry Hearn warns snooker superstars where they will end up IF they join LIV-style renegade tour

Upfront Barry Hearn has told snooker's top stars they can join a LIV-style rival tour at their peril.

The sport's top boss is confident in the World Snooker Tour (WST)'s commercial clout, with prize funds expected to hit £20 million next year. There's talk of an alternative circuit offering eight tournaments with a guaranteed £350,000 for grabs. However, snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan won't be partaking, having pledged his allegiance to the professional tour through a three-year ambassadorial contract with Saudi Arabia.

WST president Hearn has dismissed the potential success of such breakaway tours, stating: "Frankly, I know those sort of breakaway tours don't really have a great deal of commercial value. Any player who leaves will be instantly welcomed back in Q School." Hearn also issued a stark warning to Sheffield City Council, suggesting that the future of the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre is in jeopardy unless the venue is demolished and replaced with a larger facility.

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