Snooker supremo Barry Hearn claims world domination is on the agenda after the sport’s new ten-year, multi-million pound deal with broadcaster Eurosport.

The World Snooker chairman announced the long-term deal at a press conference at the Betfred World Championship in Sheffield on Thursday alongside chief executive officer at Eurosport Peter Hutton and Adam Kelly, head of sales EMEA & global business development at IMG Media.

The agreement is an extension of Eurosport’s exclusive European TV and digital rights to show 18 tournaments until the 2025-26 season, strengthening the Discovery-owned broadcaster’s position as the home of snooker.

World Snooker already host tournaments in countries such as China, India, Australia, Germany and Poland but Hearn is adamant the sport can now grow even further.

“I promoted my first snooker event 42 years ago and this is arguably the biggest day I have had in 42 years,” explained Hearn.

“It’s a landmark deal and gives us security. It’s worth bundles and bundles and bundles. All we can say is it’s a multi, multi-million dollar deal.

“This is not the end of the road by announcing a big deal, this is the beginning of the road to global domination.

“We have ten years with a major broadcaster. From the players’ perspective, a few years ago they didn’t know where the next job or pound note was coming from – they can now plan for their future.

“They can concentrate on their career knowing these opportunities exist. These are changing times in snooker.

“Players are going to have to be much physically fitter to cope with the demands we set them. They have to be mentally fitter to cope with the pressure of top-class sport.”

The agreement includes exclusive TV and digital rights to the new ‘Home Nations Series’ which begins next season, comprising of the English Open, Scottish Open, Welsh Open and Irish Open.

The new concept includes a £1million bonus prize for any player who is able to win all four tournaments.

Eurosport have been screening snooker since 2003 and Hutton believes the new deal – described by Hearn as a marriage – will benefit all parties, including the fans.

“Snooker has some of sport’s most ardent fans and has been a major part of Eurosport’s programming since it was first broadcast on the channel in 2003,” he said.

“Eurosport has since been a strong partner to help grow the popularity of the sport across Europe, showcasing the best competitions, providing insightful expert commentary and exceptional new programming such as ‘The Ronnie O’Sullivan Show’.

“We see excellent viewing figures for snooker and we are delighted to announce that we will continue to share the best moments from the sport with fans across the continent for the next ten years.”