Crucible signs 10-year deal as Hearn announces two-year tour cards for White and Doherty

ByPete Sharland

Updated 14/04/2017 at 19:51 GMT

On the eve of the 40th World Championships at the Crucible the sport's organiser Barry Hearn announced that Jimmy White and Ken Doherty have been given two-year tour cards whilst also signing a new 10-year deal on the event being held at Sheffield.

White was defeated in qualifying for this year's edition of the World Championship and the loss meant he was set to be knocked off the tour.

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However speaking at the launch event for this year's competition Hearn announced that both White and Doherty would be given cards in order to allow them to compete on the tour for the next two years.

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Hearn surprises Crucible with tour cards for White and Doherty

"I couldn't think of a stage that was more appropriate bearing in mind the history in this room today to announce World Snooker's decision today to grant two invitational tour cards for the next two years to two players - multiple ranking winners in their own right but great ambassadors for the sport of snooker.

"So we welcome back for the next two years minimum, Jimmy White and Ken Doherty."

Later on in the evening White said "I haven't won the World Championship, but I'm not finished yet.

Jimmy White: I haven't won the World Champs, but I'm not finished yet...

"I'll definitely be playing for the next couple of years. Occasionally I can still get it together and I can beat anybody. The game still excites me."

There was more good news for snooker fans later on as Hearn signed a contract that will keep the World Championships at the Crucible for another ten years until 2027.

Hearn signs up for 10 more years at the Crucible

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