World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn has rubbished rumours the Betfred World Championship will leave its spiritual home of Sheffield . This year marks the 40th anniversary of snooker ’ s most prestigious tournament at the Crucible Theatre , and there is interest from China in hosting the event . But Hearn has revealed he is close to extending deals with Sheffield City Council , and broadcast partner the BBC , both of which expire in 2017 . Barry Hearn has dismissed rumours the Betfred World Championship will leave Sheffield . ‘ We ain ’ t going to China , period ! ’ said Hearn . ‘ On my tombstone I ’ m not having “ This is the man who took snooker out of Sheffield ” . ‘ I ’ m quite close to extending the BBC agreement and I would sign a 20-year deal with Sheffield City Council if they wanted to sit down with me. ’ Meanwhile , tournament favourite Ronnie O ’ Sullivan has said he would love to equal Steve Davis ’ s haul of six Crucible crowns . But the Rocket , a five-time champion , is worried whether his game is up to scratch for this year ’ s event . Snooker fans arrive at the Crucible before the opening day of the Betfred World Championships . ‘ I am very competitive and I want a sixth and even a seventh world title , ’ said O ’ Sullivan . ‘ But it is such a long tournament to stay focused and keep form. ’ John Higgins took a 6-3 lead in his first-round match with Robert Milkins on Saturday , while Anthony McGill went 6-3 up against Stephen Maguire . Ronnie O'Sullivan plays a shot in his semi-final against Judd Trump during the Betfair World Championships .
This year marks the 40th anniversary of snooker ’ s most prestigious tournament at the Crucible Theatre . HearnBarry Hearn is close to extending deals with Sheffield City Council . Barry Hearn is also close to securing a new deal with the BBC . Both deals are due to expire in 2017 .