Barry Hearn ‘so happy’ as World Snooker Championship stays at the Crucible

• The World Snooker Championship will remain at its traditional home, the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, following a new long-term agreement.
• The deal, signed with Sheffield City Council, secures the tournament's future at the venue until at least 2045, with an option to extend to 2050.
• The Crucible Theatre is scheduled for a major renovation, which will increase its current capacity by approximately 500 seats and enhance spectator facilities.
• Renovations are set to commence in 2028, requiring the tournament to temporarily relocate during the construction period.
• The UK government, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's support, helped facilitate the agreement, while snooker supremo and Matchroom Sport president Barry Hearn declared himself “so happy” with the deal.

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World Snooker Championship to stay at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre with long-term deal