RISING star Craig Steadman has rejected calls for snooker to be given a darts-style makeover to restore its popularity.

World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan caused a stir when he claimed the sport was “dying” and needed the likes of X Factor impressario Simon Cowell and darts promoter Barry Hearn to improve its image.

But, while local ace Steadman admits the sport would benefit from an injection of cash from big sponsors, he insists there is little snooker can learn from darts.

“There is no disputing Barry Hearn (Professional Darts Corporation founder) is working wonders for darts, but I’m not sure if the same approach would work for snooker,” said Steadman, who finished runner-up in the Pontin's Pro Am Series Grand Finals in Prestatyn last week and is on the verge of breaking onto the tour.

“The two sports are totally different, and both have unique atmospheres. In darts it is normal to have 10 pints and be shouting and singing, which is quite fine, but an electric atmosphere in snooker is when you can hear a pin drop. You could maybe introduce the players in a similar way to how they do at the darts and jazz it up that way, but there is no place for a rowdy atmosphere.”

Steadman (pictured) would like to see a return of big sponsors to the sport. “Snooker used to have the backing of big sponsors, but they went with the new tobacco laws,” he said.

“Embassy, Regal and Benson and Hedges all backed the big tournaments, and the only companies that could probably match them now are the big gaming and gambling ones.

“It’s tough to earn a good living from snooker unless you have a good sponsor or win a lot of matches.

“I’m lucky that I have good sponsors (Cuemasters Walkden and Lancashire Trade Frames). I think they are the reason I am doing well and winning a lot of matches because I am probably a bit more relaxed now.”

Another slight aimed at snooker is that there are not enough characters in the game – a suggestion Steadman refutes.

“With no disrespect to the players in the eighties, the game is played at a much better and more professional standard now,” he said. “Players then were chatting to people in the crowd, but the game is being played at a top-class level now. Many of the players are playing for their livelihoods, and they don’t want to sit there chatting.

“Most of the players behind the scenes are big characters, but the public just don’t get to see it anymore. My mum always watches it on television and says that so-and-so is boring, but I told her that I’d be the same if I was there.

“I just want to concentrate on being the best player I am.”

Steadman, who needs to reach the quarter-finals of one more Pontins International Open Series event to make the main tour, has three tournaments left to achieve his goal – the first of which takes place on February 27.