Crucible Theatre closes to leave snooker’s World Championship in doubt

Snooker’s World Championship could be the next major sporting event to fall victim to coronavirus.
NOT TO BE: The Wiorld Snooker Championship at The Crucible could be cancelled due to coronavirus. Picture: Dave Howarth/PANOT TO BE: The Wiorld Snooker Championship at The Crucible could be cancelled due to coronavirus. Picture: Dave Howarth/PA
NOT TO BE: The Wiorld Snooker Championship at The Crucible could be cancelled due to coronavirus. Picture: Dave Howarth/PA

The famous Crucible Theatre – which has been the tournament venue for over 40 years – was due to stage the event on April 18, but yesterday announced it would immediately be closing its doors until April 5.

Players from around the globe were due to descend on Sheffield for the qualifiers, on April 8-15, at the English Institute of Sport.

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But after snooker chiefs postponed the Coral Tour Championship – due to be staged in Llandudno, starting yesterday – the remainder of the sport’s calendar seem certain to follow suit.

Judd Trump celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2019 Betfred World Championship at The Crucible. Picture: Richard Sellers/PAJudd Trump celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2019 Betfred World Championship at The Crucible. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA
Judd Trump celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2019 Betfred World Championship at The Crucible. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

World Snooker boss Barry Hearn had hoped events could continue behind closed doors, like last week’s Gibraltar Open.

But with travel bans in place across the world, and restrictions on sporting events, the chances of any play before the season ends in May looks increasingly unlikely.

A World Snooker statement read: “WST and ITV Sport have taken the decision to postpone this week’s Coral Tour Championship in Llandudno as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.

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“The event was due to run from Tuesday to Sunday this week, televised by ITV4.

“Following Monday’s announcement from the UK government that public are advised to avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues, we have liaised with ITV Sport and come to the decision to postpone the event, with new provisional dates of July 21st to 26th this year at the same venue.

“We appreciate this is very short notice and a disappointment for the fans and the television audience, however the assessment could only be made at short notice after yesterday’s announcement from the government which came at 5pm.

“Announcements on future events including the World Championship will be made in due course, with all scenarios to be considered depending on further government advice,” it added.

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The Crucible has already cancelled shows like Run Sister Run and Cabaret, and is in talks with World Snooker about the viability of staging the snooker in Sheffield.

A Crucible statement read: “There is no further news on World Snooker at this time.

“We continue to liaise with the team at World Snooker and will provide an update on plans for this year’s tournament as soon as it is available.”

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