Walker voted out as snooker chief

Walker has faced criticism amid claims snooker is falling away as a top sport

Sir Rodney Walker has been voted out as chairman of World Snooker, paving the way for 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.

But he lost out in Wednesday's annual general meeting at Sheffield.

A host of top players, including John Higgins and Mark Selby, have spoken out in support of Hearn carrying out a "root and branch" review of the sport.

Promoter Hearn, who already runs snooker's Premier and Champions Leagues, has transformed the fortunes of darts in recent years and a series of leading players believe the Englishman's entrepreneurial skills could herald the start of a golden era.

Walker announced plans last month that the tour would up the number of ranking events from six to 15.

606: DEBATE This is great news for Snooker imho, we can FINALLY move on with someone intelligent at the helm, someone who has a very good business brain 606 Space-Time

But world champion Higgins believes now is the time for Hearn to take over the sport, saying before the vote: "I do not think there is anyone better equipped to take over as chairman as Barry Hearn. You just need to look at his track record promoting sport throughout the world.

"I care deeply about the game and want to see it progress. What is clear to just about everyone is that snooker is crying out for a change."

Those sentiments were echoed by Selby, who said: "If someone like Barry Hearn was to come in, that could be what turns around our sport," while another snooker player Shaun Murphy has said: "I am very excited about the possibility of Hearn being involved."

Hearn, who is also a successful boxing promoter and owner of Leyton Orient football club, said last month that he would consider succeeding Walker "only with the backing of the players".

"I am not currently looking for, neither do I need to take this step," he added. "However, I do believe that there has never been a better time for expansion of the game and it would be a challenge I would relish."

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.

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