Snooker legend Steve Davis says ‘there is an inevitability’ for The World Snooker Championship to leave Sheffield.
On Saturday morning, crowds gathered at Sheffield train station as Davis hit shots on the table with commuters.
There has been an angry reaction from the City of Sheffield following a call from Ronnie O’Sullivan to relocate the World Snooker Championships from its long standing venue at The Crucible Theatre.
Residents, many of whom have long ties to the event, expressed their dismay.
Jeff Gledhill, a retired bricklayer, voiced strong objections, citing past champions like Terry Griffiths and Steve Davis who competed at The Crucible without issue. “Who is he to say it should be moved? This is where it’s from and it ought to stay here.”
The Crucible has hosted The World Snooker championship since 1977, with plans to continue until at least 2027.
Davis said: “I’m not too sure what the outcome of moving The World Championship to a destination purely based on the financial implications will be. We know full well that some events in the middle east have been poorly attended.
“The problem for the Snooker Association is that they have a responsibility to try and grow the game for the benefit not just of the fans but also the players, to generate more prize money, to give them more of a chance to make a proper living out of the game.
“There is a desire to try and keep it in Sheffield. It would be lovely if the venue was bigger and there is the sticking point. If the venue was bigger, it would be harder to talk yourself into moving it away. But money does talk in the world and if someone came up with a ridiculous amount of prize money to add to the year tour then World Snooker have a problem because they owe the players as well. So it’s a fine tightrope to walk.”
The World Championship is the richest prize in snooker with players sharing a total prize fund of £2,395,000. The winner will receive £500,000, with the runner-up pocketing £200,000 and the losing semi-finalists £100,000 each.
Davis added: “It would be a sad day if it happens. It feels like there is an inevitability about it, which is horrible, like a cloud looming over. We have this 2027 date thinking, can another Crucible be built. Is there any desire for that from the Council? Would that be desirable, for a venue that for 50 weeks of the year is an arts venue? It may not be ideal. If it happens, well, let’s go out with a blaze of glory. It’s been a great time. 50 years, that’s amazing.”
Sheffield City Council announced its commitment to keeping the prestigious event in the city:
“The council is working with World Snooker on an agreement for the event to remain in Sheffield. The council is committed to securing the tournament’s long-term future in the city. Sheffield is proud to be home of snooker’s biggest event.” a spokesperson said.
