Shaun Murphy: New BBC snooker deal is ‘big clue’ about the Worlds

Masters winner Shaun Murphy says the new BBC snooker TV deal is “the biggest clue” yet that the World Championship is staying in the UK.

But Murphy warned listeners to his podcast with it “doesn’t necessarily mean” it is staying in Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

A five-year extension means snooker’s Triple Crown events (UK Championship, Masters and World Championship) remain on the BBC until 2032. This is great news for millions of snooker fans across the UK.

The announcement triggered speculation among snooker fans that the deal is a possibly a big sign that the World Championship is staying on UK soil, amid increased rumours and talk of it being moved at some stage.

Speaking on the OneFourSeven podcast, Shaun Murphy said he was delighted with the BBC snooker news and thought it was a big clue as to where the World Championship is being played in the future.

Murphy said: “This is massive. I’m delighted about it.

“I think it is the biggest clue we’ve had so far”

“I will say this – I don’t like rumour and conjecture. I’m not a fan of it.  However, is this a clue to the future of the World Championship? I think it is the biggest clue we’ve had so far.

“To my knowledge there are no offers from anywhere else. I don’t think World Snooker Limited are sat there with offers from Saudi, offers from China, offers from Dubai to bring the World Championship there in 2028 and onwards. So, for the BBC to go again until 2032 that’s a clue isn’t it?”

But Murphy later warned: “It doesn’t necessarily mean it is staying at The Crucible.”

Podcast host Phil Seymour agreed with Murphy. He said the BBC snooker deal signalled a big clue about the future destination of the World Championship.

Seymour said: “I couldn’t see the BBC signing up to this if there’s a chance the Worlds is leaving the UK. The cost element, the timing, the scheduling is massively different if it went to the Middle East.

“I think this is a real indicator that it is staying in the UK. Whether that’s Sheffield remains to be seen.”

WST Chairman Steve Dawson said: “For more than 50 years we have had an outstanding relationship with BBC and their coverage of the Triple Crown is a fundamental part of those three events. So many millions of fans love watching snooker on BBC. It has always been vital to us to keep the biggest tournaments free to air.”