Barry Hearn, the influential president of Matchroom Sport, has publicly endorsed Ronnie O'Sullivan's recent decision to withdraw from the Masters tournament, while simultaneously issuing a rallying cry to the sport's other top players. Hearn emphasised that it is now their responsibility to step into the spotlight and provide the star quality that the legendary 'Rocket' brings when he is absent from competition.
O'Sullivan's Withdrawal and Hearn's Perspective
The eight-time Masters champion pulled out of this month's prestigious event just two days before it commenced, citing medical reasons. This move, while not unprecedented given O'Sullivan's history of selective participation, still came as a surprise to many. The snooker icon had been diligently practising in Ireland in preparation and had been handed a favourable schedule, with his opening match slated as the final contest of the first round.
Hearn, speaking on the BBC's Framed podcast, expressed his full support for the 50-year-old's choice. 'Ronnie sets very high standards. Ronnie is a genius, a one-off player that we won’t see again probably in our lifetime,' Hearn stated. 'At the moment he plays when he can and when he wants to, and I think he’s earned that right to make that decision. If he doesn’t feel mentally right to play, I don’t want him to play.'
The Challenge for Snooker's Next Generation
While acknowledging the disappointment for fans when the sport's biggest draw is not competing, Hearn shifted the focus onto the current field of players. He challenged them to embrace the opportunity and responsibility that comes with O'Sullivan's absence.
'The players that are left have got to understand the responsibility they have to replace the great man,' Hearn asserted. 'This sport needs a Ronnie O’Sullivan and actually it needs three or four Ronnie O’Sullivans.'
He expressed optimism about the emerging talent pool, suggesting that future superstars could hail from various nations. 'I’ve got a feeling we may be seeing them, but whether they’re English, Welsh, Scottish or Chinese is something we’ll have to watch this space to see,' he added.
The Prize Money Debate: Snooker vs. Darts
The conversation naturally progressed to the financial landscape of professional snooker, particularly in comparison to the booming darts scene. Kyren Wilson's victory at the Masters, which earned him £350,000, highlighted the current upper echelons of snooker prize money. The sport's top prizes remain the £500,000 awarded at the World Championship and the Saudi Arabia Masters.
This stands in stark contrast to darts, where Luke Littler recently secured a £1 million payday for winning the World Darts Championship. Hearn acknowledged this disparity and outlined the challenges and opportunities for snooker.
'It all comes down to finances. I’m desperate to increase the snooker prize money but it’s got to be financially viable,' Hearn explained. He pointed to darts' successful model, fuelled by a massive Sky Sports TV deal, fervent sponsorship interest, and consistently sold-out venues—a momentum significantly boosted by Littler's emergence.
Building a Brighter Financial Future
Hearn detailed the path forward for snooker, stressing unity and global expansion. 'Darts has created a financial model where broadcasters have experienced huge numbers therefore they’re prepared to pay more money,' he said. 'The majority of snooker players are like that, there’s still a few little niggles that go on. It always bemuses me how people can talk anything negative when a sport has gone from £3.5m prize money to £25m.'
He revealed plans for growth in emerging markets, which he believes are key to boosting revenues. 'Now we’re seeing our partners in the Middle East come back with a few new ideas. There’s going to be more happening in the Middle East, in other countries as well. We have to balance the calendar to make sure everybody gets the opportunity to change their life through snooker.'
While admitting snooker is not yet at the same commercial level as darts, Hearn concluded with a note of strong optimism for the future. 'I’m more optimistic now for the future of snooker than I have been for the last 10 years,' he declared. 'Simply on the talent I see coming through, simply on the emerging markets I see. We’re looking at India, China is getting bigger, the Middle East is growing for us, and we’re not afraid to invest in expansion.'
