Ronnie O’Sullivan could be denied his World Snooker Championship dream by the Prime Minister, who is reportedly taking steps to keep the tournament at the Crucible. The iconic Sheffield theatre has played host to snooker’s biggest evet since 1977 but a change in venue has been mooted for the near future. It will remain there until at least 2027, when the current contract runs out.
Some players have criticised the Crucible’s lack of modern facilities despite it having a special place in the hearts of snooker fans worldwide. Others have suggested that moving the World Championship elsewhere could allow for prize money to be increased. O’Sullivan has made no secret of his disdain for the Crucible, with the 50-year-old eager to see the venue changed.
Speaking two years ago, he said: « I don’t actually like the Crucible, to be honest. I’d much rather it go anywhere than the Crucible.
« I know it’s a great venue but I don’t like playing there for 17 days. For me, if it goes anywhere but the Crucible, it would be brilliant. »
However, it seems O’Sullivan’s plea will fall on deaf ears, with Sir Keir Starmer reportedly set to fight tooth and nail to keep the World Championship at its spiritual home.
He wants the tournament to remain at the Crucible, according to the Sheffield Star, with government funding available to ensure it stays there.
It’s claimed the Prime Minister will step in to protect the venue and ensure that it continues to host the World Championship for the foreseeable future.
It comes just weeks after Starmer made a surprise visit to the Crucible to discuss the future of the tournament with council chiefs and local partners.
A source is quoted as saying: « The negotiations are clearly gathering pace. The Prime Minister’s appearance at the Crucible in Sheffield has given this exciting momentum and we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of his involvement.
« We need concrete action next, but the roundtable discussion showed he was engaged and pretty well informed about what this would mean for the city, for the sport and for the arts.
« He obviously wants it to happen and he was selling the idea to those in attendance. It’s now a case of when and not if. These are encouraging times for the city. »
Saudi Arabia has been touted as the most likely destination for the World Championship if it is moved away from the Crucible after 2027.
However, with the Prime Minister determined to keep the World Championship at the Crucible, it looks like O’Sullivan won’t be getting what he wants any time soon.
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