“My tombstone will not say, 'This is the man who took the World Championship from the Crucible.'” When the deal was signed to keep the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theater in 2017, the current Words from retired World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn.
But how long sport's most prestigious event will remain at the venue where it has been held for 47 years is being debated again, with the existing hosting and broadcasting contract due to be renewed after three years.
Ahead of this year's World Championships, which begin on Saturday, news comes as Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season will become the tournament's commercial partner, with Ronnie O'Sullivan signing a three-year ambassadorship to help grow the sport in the country. I told many people. We are currently wondering if we can move the event to the Middle East.
So how realistic is it that Sheffield might not be home to snooker's biggest tournament for a long time?
What is the importance of the Crucible?
By the time the current contract with Sheffield City Council expires, the Crucible will have hosted the World Championship for half a century. Promoter Mike Watterson founded the club at this location at the suggestion of his wife, who saw the club playing at the venue and felt the same way. It would be perfect for snooker.
During that time, it was home to some of snooker's most iconic titles, including Alex Higgins' emotional victory in 1982, the 1985 blackball final watched on TV by 18.5 million people, and Stephen Hendry and O'Sullivan's seven titles each. It has become the stage for many great moments. success.
Due to its importance to the region, Sheffield City Council is contractually paying the World Snooker Tour (WST) a staging fee to cover the cost of the event, for an undisclosed amount. The council estimates that the 17-day event will have an annual economic impact of around £3 million for the Steel City.
Ronnie O'Sullivan says the tournament will be more convenient for him as a player if the World Snooker Championship moves to Saudi Arabia
The Crucible has become an annual pilgrimage for snooker fans around the world, but despite its intimate atmosphere beloved by spectators and players alike, the venue's capacity is only 980 people. , has become a commercial challenge for WST.
Proposals have been floated to build a 3,000-seat venue in Sheffield in order to continue hosting the World Championships in Sheffield beyond 2027. Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport, which acquired WST in June 2010, said there had been no discussions about a move elsewhere.
But while acknowledging his father Barry's love for the venue, the chairman of Matchroom Sport, which has owned WST since June 2010, added there were other factors to consider.
“The Crucible means a lot to a lot of people in the history of the sport,” Hearn said. sky sports news. “But from a business and commercial standpoint, we know this is a small arena and we could sell out four or five times.
“We cannot ignore the history and tradition of this sport, but as always we are under pressure to provide opportunities for our members and players. If there's ever a chance, that's it.'' There are things we have to look at too.
“At the moment there are no discussions or plans to change the World Championship, but in three years' time the situation may be different.”
What involvement does Saudi Arabia have in snooker?
Snooker joined boxing and golf as part of Saudi Arabia's growing sports portfolio in March with the first non-ranking World Masters of Snooker event, which will return in the 2024/25 season.
Furthermore, the Middle Eastern country is set to host its first ranking event in August in the form of the Saudi Snooker Masters, which will be open to all 128 WST players and six local wildcards, with a total prize pool of 2 million pounds (the world's highest price). Tournaments other than the World Championship.
The investment in snooker has been driven by His Excellency Turki Alalcik, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, who has made no secret of his desire to bring snooker's biggest event to his homeland.
“I'm ready. I'm going to talk to Eddie Hearn,” His Excellency said. sky sports news. “I would be happy if we had everything in our country, and I also support what is happening in other countries.”
Seven-time world champion and world number one O'Sullivan's ambassadorship agreement sees him commit to competing in all competitions in Saudi Arabia for the next three years, as well as agreeing to provide coaching and development at grassroots level. .
The 48-year-old won the World Masters with a 5-2 victory over reigning world champion Luca Brecel in the final. Even though the tournament took place late at night, which is unusual, he was impressed with the organization and the players' play. Contained.
“I like late nights,” O'Sullivan said. sky sports news. “As the evening progresses, the atmosphere gets warmer and warmer. Snooker is really a night sport, but it's hard to get going in the morning, so when we were playing at 2:30 or 3 a.m., we thought, 'This is great.' I thought.”
“There was a packed crowd there, the crowd was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the equipment as players was important. Everything was easy for the players. When you are in that environment, you naturally You can play well and have fun just being there.'' “
Could the World Snooker Championship leave Sheffield?
Speculation about the World Championship leaving the Crucible is nothing new, with China repeatedly mooted as a potential host venue following the increase in the number of Chinese players on the tour over the past two decades, while the 2022 World Championship Cup host Qatar is also reportedly interested. last year.
So far, Sheffield has managed to see off the competition, but Saudi Arabia's emergence on the world sporting stage in terms of hosting major events and financial support is definitely a gamble for those hoping for the tournament to continue. It will increase the money. Its iconic long-term home.
O'Sullivan, who has been critical of the Crucible's facilities, does believe that moving the Crucible is a realistic prospect and that moving to Saudi Arabia will take the World Championship to another level.
“The Crucible is a great venue, don't get me wrong,” O'Sullivan said. “We have a great history and some great memories, but as a snooker player you thrive when you are in an environment where everything is right for you.
“It's hard to get in and out, it's hard to allocate practice time properly, it's a busy place and the World Championships are a huge event.
“I think Saudi Arabia can take this tournament and grab it by the scruff of the neck and turn it into a Wimbledon, a French Open, a US Open and really make it a super event.”
Advertisement | Stream Sky Sports Now
Stream Sky Sports live now with no monthly or daily membership commitments. Get instant access to live action from the Premier League and his EFL, plus darts, cricket, tennis, golf and more.
Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp
You can now receive messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel. Click here for details…
