The World Championship had lived a nomadic existence before promoter Mike Watterson took it to the Crucible almost half a century ago, heeding the advice of his wife, Carole, who had watched a play in the theatre and felt it had just the right attributes to stage a snooker event.
It is where the sport’s most famous moments have been witnessed, and for many it has become almost synonymous with the tournament itself.
This is far from the first time a move away from Sheffield has been mooted, or that similar messages have come from Matchroom, yet the 50th anniversary of its first World Championship could well mark a farewell to the city.
China and Saudi Arabia have been linked with bids to stage the tournament, which could also move elsewhere in the UK.
Eddie Hearn, who has built the boxing arm of Matchroom to great effect, is openly “not a snooker guy”.
The 45-year-old says snooker is “leaving a huge amount of money on the table” by staying faithful to the Crucible. He says it could sell 4,000 tickets for each session elsewhere if the sport moves away from its traditions.
He said: “I think World Snooker and my dad have been unbelievably loyal to the game and to the venue and to the dream of the Crucible, but at some point you’ve got to say we can provide greater opportunities for our players and life-changing opportunities.
“If there’s a way to keep it in Sheffield, of course that’s the preferred option. But ultimately, behind closed doors, trust me on one thing: the players want more money and that’s the same in any sport you work in.”
Read full article at source
exeter.one newsbite last confirmed 5 days ago by John Skilbeck
Stay informed about this story by subscribing to our regular Newsletter
