WORLD SPORT

An Emotion Beyond Price: BBC Snooker Presenter Critiques Controversy Surrounding World Championship Relocation

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Hazel Irvine, the BBC snooker presenter, has expressed her strong disapproval regarding the potential relocation of the World Championship from its cherished venue at the Crucible.

The sports journalist from Scotland remarked that shifting away from this iconic location would be akin to taking away golfers’ opportunity to compete at The Open in St Andrews.

The World Snooker Championship's future at the Crucible is under threat

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The World Snooker Championship’s future at the Crucible is under threatCredit: Getty
BBC's Hazel Irvine has called on the iconic tournament to remain at the Sheffield venue

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BBC’s Hazel Irvine has called on the iconic tournament to remain at the Sheffield venueCredit: PA
The next World Snooker Championship is scheduled to remain at The Crucible but many feel change is "inevitable"

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The next World Snooker Championship is scheduled to remain at The Crucible but many feel change is “inevitable”Credit: PA
Ronnie O'Sullivan has slammed the venue, saying you get "tea, lasagne and not a lot else"

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Ronnie O’Sullivan has slammed the venue, saying you get “tea, lasagne and not a lot else”Credit: Getty

Irvine communicated her thoughts to The Courier: “This conversation has been ongoing for years.

“From the moment I began covering snooker, the debate about potentially moving has been present.

“There’s an essence in winning that connects you to the building, the city, and the venue.

“I’m continuously amazed by how such a small theatre can create endless chapters of dynamic history in sport.”

Three-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has been vocal against the Crucible, suggesting that the World Snooker Championship should be relocated to venues that are more financially beneficial.

Among the locations O’Sullivan recommended were Saudi Arabia and China.

He revealed to SunSport in April: “The Crucible isn’t enjoyable for me. It’s difficult to navigate in and out.

“I firmly believe moving it from Sheffield would be a prudent choice.

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“Continue hosting a tournament there. That’s fine. But not the world championship that lasts for 17 days.

“It’s a grand spectacle and requires vast space to facilitate it.”

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He further commented: “While I know the Crucible offers decent tea and occasionally lasagne, that’s about all you can expect.

“One of the major issues with Sheffield is that there’s no tranquility; parking is a hassle.”

Despite this, Irvine highlighted the sentiments of four-time champion John Higgins regarding keeping the tournament at the Sheffield venue.

She remarked: “He believes there might come a time when it could shift.

Hazel Irvine claimed depriving snooker players of the chance to win the World Championship at The Crucible would be the same as depriving golfers of the chance to win The Open at St Andrews (above)

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Hazel Irvine claimed depriving snooker players of the chance to win the World Championship at The Crucible would be the same as depriving golfers of the chance to win The Open at St Andrews (above)Credit: Getty
John Higgins is keen for the championship to remain at The Crucible but feels it will move venue sooner or later

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John Higgins is keen for the championship to remain at The Crucible but feels it will move venue sooner or laterCredit: PA

“The timing of that change is uncertain.

“However, he expressed sympathy for competitors who may never get the chance to win it at the Crucible, noting that there is a unique vibe — much like winning The Open at St Andrews — that makes you feel connected to that venue, the city, and the place.

“That’s a sentiment that cannot be purchased.”

While St Andrews, the hometown of Irvine, does not host The Open annually, it remains the venue for the championship every five years.

Nevertheless, Higgins conceded that he believes the World Championship’s relocation from the Crucible is “inevitable”.

In his remarks from April, he stated: “It’s bound to happen. In three years, the landscape of the snooker scene will have altered.

“I’m fortunate to have won it here. Parting ways with this venue will bring sadness; it’s been a significant part of my journey.

“If you asked other players who have yet to claim the trophy here, they would likely see it as a lifelong regret.

“While their financial situation may not reflect that [for future winners], a glance at history and the champions who came before them would reveal that they would cherish having won it here, as it’s truly special.

“It’s the premier venue for playing snooker.”