Snooker World Champs Set For China

Snooker’s governing body has admitted that it is considering moving the World Championship from its traditional home at The Crucible in Sheffield to China.

The event has been held at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre since 1977, but governing body the WPBSA’s contract with the venue expires in 2010.

Chairman Sir Rodney Walker stated they may switch the event to China to reap the benefits of the sport’s popularity.

‘We have a contract which has two years to run, but beyond that we have to evaluate all options and decide what is best for our members.

‘During the Shanghai Masters I was asked about the prospect of moving the World Championship to China.

‘The momentum of snooker in China is growing and this is not the first time the matter has been raised there, although discussions are at a very early stage.’

David Fletcher, director of Creative Sheffield – who work on behalf of Sheffield City Council, said negotiations with World Snooker are ongoing and is confident the city still has a lot to offer beyond 2010.

‘We acknowledge and respect World Snooker’s intention to evaluate all options in terms of the future of the World Snooker Championships beyond the current contract with Sheffield, which runs until 2010.

‘There is no doubt that China will play an increasingly significant role in the growth of snooker, which has now become a truly global sport.

‘However, Sheffield has worked hard over the last few years to become a key partner for World Snooker, for example in the development of the World Snooker Academy, positioning snooker in an elite sporting environment – the English Institute of Sport complex.

‘Sheffield is now also hosting the professional qualifying events for the Masters, UK and World Championships.

‘We are currently in a dialogue with World Snooker about the future of the World Championships beyond 2010 and believe there are still compelling arguments for the event to remain here for several years into the future.’

Snooker has been hit by the loss of two key sponsors this year in Saga Insurance and 888.com both of whom withdrew from their contracts early with the sport facing a major battle to replace the lost commercial revenue.