Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is planning to provide funding to secure the continuation of the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible in Sheffield. The current contract for the Sheffield arena to host the tournament is due to end next year.
Local council leaders are eager to keep the championships at The Crucible, although Barry Hearn, the president of Matchroom Sport, has hinted at the possibility of exploring other venues.
The government has intervened by committing to financial support, and Starmer recently visited The Crucible to engage in discussions about the future of the tournament with council officials and local partners.
A source quoted by The Sheffield Star stated: “Negotiations are progressing. The Prime Minister’s presence at The Crucible in Sheffield has injected momentum into the discussions, underscoring the significance of his participation.
“Concrete actions are now awaited, but the roundtable dialogue indicated his strong interest and understanding of the implications for the city, sports, and the arts.
“He is clearly in favor of the event and actively advocated for it during the meeting. It seems more a matter of ‘when’ than ‘if’. Exciting times lie ahead for the city.”
The World Snooker Championship has been held at The Crucible since 1977, but uncertainties have arisen due to the contract situation.
Hearn has also mentioned the possibility of Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament if his request for a £1 million prize fund is not met.
Addressing the issue, Hearn remarked: “While Sheffield has its limitations, with government support, more can be achieved, ensuring the event’s sustainability. It is now up to Sheffield to align with our vision.
“This is a significant event in England, yet the prize money falls short of expectations. It is crucial that all parties acknowledge each other’s concerns.
“Hopefully, the government recognizes the importance of retaining this event in the UK, particularly in Sheffield.”
The 2026 World Snooker Championship is scheduled from April 18 to May 4. Chinese player Zhao Xintong enters as the defending champion, having defeated Mark Williams in last year’s final.
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