For almost 50 years, the Snooker World Championship has been held in the Crucible Theatre in the heart of Sheffield. However, this may be under serious threat after Ronnie O’Sullivan expressed his distaste in the South Yorkshire venue.
O’Sullivan, the world number one, has admitted to having a deep dislike for the Crucible, referring to it as his “idea of hell”. Despite winning a staggering seven championships at the venue, he admitted that he would love to see the World Championships moved to Saudi Arabia or China, where “it’d be done properly”.
In contrast to O’Sullivan, many other snooker players and fans remain highly fond of the venue, where the world’s best have competed since 1977.
Local snooker player Ieuan Harrison expressed his desire for the championships to remain in Sheffield, saying it “definitely does do a lot for Sheffield.”
“The pinnacle of one sport being held so close to where we are. It’s something we cannot take for granted.”
Ieuan believes that O’Sullivan wants the venue moved so he could be able to play in front of a bigger crowd.
“It suits him. But there are other players in the championship who don’t work like that.”
The championships are being played in Sheffield until the 6th of May.