Snooker Championship To Be Held At Crucible Till 2014
The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield UK will be hosting the Betfred.com World Snooker Championships for at least another five years.
The decision has been confirmed by World Snooker and Sheffield City Council. The deal ensures the ‘blue riband’ event of the snooker world will be held at the Crucible till at least 2014, with an option to extend the contract to 2015.
Sir Rodney Walker, the Chairman of World Snooker said, ‘Sheffield has over the years, has consistently demonstrated a genuine desire to retain and develop further its status as the UK’s snooker City. We acknowledge openly the enthusiasm and ongoing support Sheffield provides for the development and promotion of the sport, and are delighted to have reached this new agreement.’
Leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Paul Scriven spoke of the new deal. ‘Sheffield is the home of World Snooker and we were determined that it stays here. This is excellent news, not only for Sheffield and Yorkshire but also for snooker fans in this country that come to the city to enjoy the sport and for the millions of people who watch their heroes in action on television around the world.’
‘With our partners, welcome to Yorkshire and Yorkshire Forward, we have now ensured that Sheffield will play a key role in the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship as it has done for three decades,’ added Scriven.
Snooker pro’s commented on the agreement. Steve Davis said ‘I’ve got fantastic memories here so it will always be a special place for me. I’ve always said that it will need a very good reason to move the event away from Sheffield. It’s the snooker city and everyone associates this event with the Crucible.’
Mark Allen, who de3feated champion Ronnie O’ Sullivan last Saturday said ‘I’ve only played here for the last three years but I absolutely love the place and couldn’t imagine the tournament being staged anywhere else. The atmosphere when I beat Ronnie was so intense you could only get that at the crucible.’
2007 Crucible finalist and Leicester favourite Mark Selby added, ‘It’s great news that we’re going to be here another five years. The players love this place and the enthusiasm of the fans and support we get in Sheffield is second to none.’
The Crucible has staged the famous event since 1977 and is undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment programme. The World Snooker Academy is also based in the heart of the City.
The Yorkshire Tourist Board is fully supportive of the arrangement between World Snooker and Sheffield City Council.