Snooker boss visits hospice

As Mark Selby took the crown for the second time, Hearn quashed speculation that the World Championship may be heading elsewhere by unveiling a new deal to remain at The Crucible until 2027.

"This is history here and our home. For those of us in the sport and viewers, it has staged moments we will treasure for our whole lives,” he said.

"This is the Superbowl of our sport - but wonderfully eccentric in a British way. It is a tiny venue when it should be massive, with longer matches when everyone else is cutting down.”

It’s also good news for Bluebell Wood, with the North Anston hospice set to benefit from the extension. It has been the event’s charity partner since 2012.

Barry is seen with hospice staff when he popped in last week.