Snooker star has revolutionary idea if World Championship is to leave the Crucible

An English player has called on Barry Hearn to keep the "in the UK" amid fears the tournament will move abroad after 2027. The Crucible has hosted the sport's most famous tournament since 1977, but its current deal runs out in two years' time, and the Matchroom Sport chief has admitted he's considering other options.

Hearn has insisted he would prefer the event to stay in Sheffield. However, he's also voiced frustration at the restrictions in place at the 980-capacity venue, arguing there is enough interest to stage it in a 3,000-capacity venue. Furthermore, has called for the Championship to relocate to a more lucrative venue like China or Saudi Arabia.

However, world No.69 Louis Heathcote has offered a different solution. Speaking out on X, he wants the tournament to swap venues with the home of the Triple Crown event.

"Would it be the worst idea for the worlds to be moved to the Ally Pally and the Masters moved to the Crucible??" he wrote. "Bigger venue for the worlds and one table set up at the Crucible for the Masters keeps both in the UK!"

The 27-year-old, a former Northern Ireland Open quarter-finalist, has a point about the Alexandra Palace's capacity. The arena, famed for holding the annual World Darts Championship, can accommodate more than 2,200 spectators for snooker events.

Heathcote was pressed by fans on whether it would be possible to book the venue for the required time. The current tournament spans over 17 days in Sheffield, and the player replied: " That would be the only thing holding them back, surely."

Hearn has held talks with Sheffield City Council this week, but has warned that money will play a major factor in any future decision. Global interest in the tournament has grown immensely since its inception, with the 76-year-old claiming viewing numbers regularly exceeding 500 million.

"I have to live in the real world," Hearn said. "While every player says there's nothing like walking out at the Crucible, every player would jump at the chance to earn double or treble the prize money. That's the world we're in."