Walker Voted Out As Snooker Chief

Sir Rodney Walker has been voted out as chairman of World Snooker, paving the way for promoter Barry Hearn to take over.

Walker put himself up for re-election a year earlier than was mandatory, effectively calling for a vote of confidence in his leadership.

However he lost out in this week’s annual general meeting at Sheffield and it seems likely that Hearn will be shortly named as his successor.

Seventy-two people were eligible to vote on Walker’s position – the top 64 players from the past two seasons plus the five current World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association’s board members.

It is believed that just 56 votes were cast, with 32 votes in favour of removing Walker and 24 against.

Board members Jim McMahon and Mike Dunn were also voted off the board.

Hearn said: ‘There’s still the question of my appointment to the board being legally resolved, but this is the beginning of a new era in snooker.

‘I relish the opportunity to revitalise the sport of snooker in the ensuing months ahead.

‘At this stage all I can promise the membership of the WPBSA is total transparency, coupled with a regular supply of truthful information.

‘There’ll be more formats. I’ll try to be innovative and creative. The patient is not dead – it just needs waking up. We need a fresh approach. How can we make the sport more attractive to young people and sponsors?’

Snooker’s profile has diminished in recent years as the tournament organisers have struggled to attract sponsors and players have cited their lack of confidence in the way in which the sport is being run.

Walker announced plans last month that the tour would up the number of ranking events from six to 15 in an attempt to revive interest in the sport.

Hearn, who already runs snooker’s Premier and Champions Leagues, has transformed the fortunes of darts in recent years.