text: 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 .
target: This year marks the 40th anniversary of snooker’s most prestigious tournament at the Crucible Theatre .
  Barry Hearn is close to extending deals with Sheffield City Council .
  Hearn is also close to securing a new deal with the BBC .
  Both deals are due to expire in 2017 .