‘My only fear’ – Stephen Hendry reveals what scares him about future of snooker as he admits ‘players would love it’

STEPHEN HENDRY fears the Snooker World Championship will be moved from the Crucible to Saudi Arabia.

The pundit has fond memories of the venue having played there throughout his career, winning seven world titles.

He now works at the Crucible during the World Championship for the BBC and loves the packed-out crowds and the atmosphere they provide.

That is why he is concerned about the event potentially leaving Sheffield and heading to the Gulf State, which has been proposed by some including snooker chief Barry Hearn.

Hendry believes tournaments being held in Saudi is good for the game and knows the players benefit financially, but he is fearful a lack of atmosphere would ruin the World Championship product.

He told ITV Sport: “I think the Middle East influence for the players is going to be great.

“We've seen the financial rewards already on offer in the tournaments that run in Saudi Arabia. So if I was playing nowadays, I would obviously love that.

“My only fear is the World Championship going there. I don't… I'm sure the players would love it.

“I'm sure it'll probably be £2million for the winner, but 17 days of... You go to the Crucible and the atmosphere's incredible.

“It's full every day, every session. Do we want to watch a World Championship where there's no one sat there watching for a lot of the sessions?

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“I'm sure the final would be well supported but for 17 days, will it be full every match? Players playing with zero atmosphere, that would be my only fear about it.”

Hearn has admitted Saudi Arabia could host the prestigious tournament, with the financial appeal alone a big factor behind the potential move.

Asked if Saudi could host the World Championship, Hearn said: “Yes. Of course.

“I mean, look, it's very straightforward. Saudi, we do events in Saudi now, and they're getting bigger.

“But they're still not the crowd and not the atmosphere. I understand all that.”

Talking about the financial difference, he added: “Instead of me selling the Crucible out and making £3.5million, £3.7m on gate, I get a £20m site fee from Saudi.

“If I get £20m from [the] site fee, I can double, treble the prize money.

“All the players say, ‘Oh, we love the Crucible, we don't want to leave.' ‘I'd say, ‘I'll tell you what I'm going to do, I'll treble the prize money.'

“We're gone, straight away. We're led by money, let's not kid ourselves.”