No imminent decision to be made on Crucible future
Discussions around the future of the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre are "ongoing and constructive", but a final decision will not be made during this year's tournament. The Crucible, which only holds 980 people, has held snooker's biggest event every year since 1977 but its contract expires in 2027.In April 2024, former World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn said the event could only stay in Sheffield if the theatre was redeveloped, or if a new arena was built."Over the last 12 months we have had constructive conversations, with national government, and key partners, about the World Snooker Championship beyond 2027," Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Theatres and World Snooker said in a statement.
"Due to the sensitive and commercial nature of these ongoing discussions, no announcement on the future of the Championship will be made during this year's event. "When we can share more information with the millions of snooker fans around the world, and with the people of Sheffield, we will provide an update."The 2025 World Championships start on 19 April.Hearn has also previously said that it would be his preference for the tournament to stay in Sheffield.The iconic Crucible has become a huge part of the history of the sport, with its cramped setting providing a unique atmosphere - and the venue regarded as the home of snooker.Up until the semi-finals, the World Snooker Championship is played with a two-table set up, meaning space is tight and the fans are close to the players.Some players, including Ronnie O'Sullivan and Iran's Hossein Vafaei, have criticised the venue for being too small but 2005 champion Shaun Murphy called it "holy ground" for competitors. China and Saudi Arabia have been suggested as possible alternatives for hosting the tournament.
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