World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn says he would be happy to keep the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield permanently.

Snooker's greatest tournament has been staged at the famous venue since 1977 and the current contract runs until 2015.

Hearn said: "We've had fantastic support from Sheffield City Council, Welcome to Yorkshire and the BBC, and as long as that continues I'd be happy to keep the event at the Crucible until the day I die.

"It's an outstanding venue and the refurbishment which recently took place has greatly improved the facilities.

"There's is so much history associated with the Crucible, it is synonymous with snooker and the World Championship. There's something unique and magical about the atmosphere in the arena which couldn't be replicated anywhere else. The vast majority of people involved in snooker would say the same.

"Anyone who was in the arena for the final last year when the players were introduced will tell you that it was one of the best atmospheres ever witnessed at a sporting event.

"We look forward to a wonderful Betfred.com World Championship starting tomorrow and to great years ahead in Sheffield, the Snooker City."

Betfred.com World Championship Qualifiers

5-15 April, English Institute of Sport,

Book Now: 0114 256 5567 or visit https://www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

Betfred.com World Snooker Championship

21 April - 7 May, The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

Book Now: 0844 6565 147 or visit https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

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