Ronnie O'Sullivan suggests Snooker World Championship should ditch Crucible for Saudi Arabia

Snooker's biggest star Ronnie O’Sullivan does not believe the World Championship should stay at the Crucible just because of its rich history.

The iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is the sport’s spiritual home and has hosted the event since way back in 1977, but the current deal with Sheffield City Council runs out in three years time, which coincides with the 50-year anniversary. Tickets for the 980-seater theatre sell out a year in advance and there is an argument that the sport’s crown jewel has outgrown the venue.

Honorary World Snooker Tour (WST) President Barry Hearn has challenged the council to build a bigger and better Crucible if they want the tournament to stay. Big-spending Saudi Arabia, who have signed a ten-year deal to host events in the country, and China - who will stage five tournaments next season - are potential suitors should WST decide to move from the city.

World No.1 O’Sullivan has put talks surrounding his future to bed by committing to the professional circuit having penned a three-year ambassadorial deal with the Kingdom. And ahead of his tilt for a record eighth Crucible crown, the Rocket said: “Listen, Sheffield’s got the history and that history will never change. A lot of people say, what about the history there? Come on man, history is getting rewritten everyday really.

“I think if Eddie and Barry and World Snooker decide it is right to take it to Saudi, then why not? It’s a massive circus and you need a massive space to accommodate it. Saudi Arabia would be great. They’ve got the resources and would do it great.”