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Crucible future decided as landmark World Snooker Championship announcement made

The Snooker World Championship will remain at the Crucible in Sheffield after a landmark, long-term agreement was announced by the World Snooker Tour

[Crucible Theatre]

The Crucible Theatre will continue to be the home of the World Snooker Championship(Image: PA)

The Crucible will continue to be the home of the World Snooker Championship after a landmark long-term agreement was signed.

It was announced on Tuesday that an agreement between the World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council had been reached. The snooker will remain in Sheffield until at least 2045, with the option to extend until 2050.

Plans are also in development for a major refurbishment of the Crucible, including expanding the capacity by up to 500 additional seats, as well as another transformation that is said to enhance spectator facilities. The World Championship has been played at the Crucible since 1977 and its 50th anniversary will take place next year.

[Crucible Theatre]

The Crucible has hosted the World Snooker Championship since 1977(Image: Getty Images)

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WST Chairman Steve Dawson said about the announcement: This is the news that players and fans around the world have been waiting and hoping for. It comes following years of close negotiation with Sheffield City Council and the UK Government and we are delighted to have reached this farreaching agreement.

I would like to thank our partners as we have shared a vision which continues the wonderful relationship between snooker and Sheffield. I can imagine walking back into that arena as the planned transformation is delivered and seeing something even more fabulous.

President of Matchroom Sport Barry Hearn added: For over 50 years I have been promoting sport all over the world but no venue on this planet means more to me than the Crucible. I am so happy that after a long period of meetings and discussions we have finally agreed a deal to stage the World Championship at its historic home the Crucible. My thanks must go to Sheffield City Council for all of their hard work in ensuring this great tournament remains at its spiritual home.

[Zhao Xintong ]

Zhao Xintong won last year's Snooker World Championship(Image: Getty Images)

The news was also greatly received by the reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who said: "I am so happy because I love the Crucible, it is a very special place and all Chinese players want to play there. Sheffield has become my home in the UK and it is famous around the world as the home of snooker. I am so pleased that we are working together to keep the World Championship in the city."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer also commented: "We have a deep cultural and sporting heritage here in the UK - sport, art and culture are the very best of us. It's what makes us proud not only of the country, but the places that we're from.

"I had the pleasure of recently visiting Sheffield, the home of the oldest football club in the world, to encourage partners to support a major redevelopment of the iconic Crucible Theatre to keep sport and culture thriving in this city.

"Im delighted with todays confirmation that the theatre and the city will stay host to the famous World Snooker Championships for many years to come."

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