Ronnie O’Sullivan: World Championship should move every year

Ronnie O’Sullivan believes the World Championship should have a different host venue each year and be taken around the world.

The seven-times world champion said snooker needed to “move on” and step away from tradition.

Sheffield’s famous Crucible Theatre has staged the World Championship every year since 1977. The renowned small venue has become synonymous with the sport.

But last year there was major talk of the World Championship possibly moving elsewhere. Former world snooker chief Barry Hearn suggested Sheffield council bosses needed to take action to secure its future as host city.

Hearn said there was interest from Saudi Arabia to stage the World Championship but a contract with Sheffield City Council is still in play until 2027. Hearn wants the council to build an extension to the Crucible or build a new arena to help the sport meet the growing demand for tickets.

But Ronnie O’Sullivan told talkSPORT that a change of direction could do snooker good. He said snooker could follow in the footsteps of golf and have major events at different venues such as The Open and Ryder Cup.

Move On

When asked if snooker should move away from the Crucible, The Rocket said: “If it makes sense. We play in China and have just played in Saudi Arabia and the players loved it there.

“It can move about. I don’t see no reason why it shouldn’t.

“The Crucible is a great venue. It’s been fantastic over the years, so wherever they take it I’m sure they will do a good job.

“You can always have an event at the Crucible. You don’t have to say goodbye to the Crucible. It’s a great venue to play at but it is not the best venue to play at in my book – there’s other venues that are better.

“You just have to move on sometimes. I know people don’t like it but sometimes you have to I suppose.”