However, an announcement in March confirmed that the tournament would be held at the same venue until 2045, where it has been since 1977, despite much debate about the competition being moved to China or Saudi Arabia. But, it will be played elsewhere in 2029 and potentially 2030 while renovations take place at the Crucible.
During that time, conversations have already opened on where the World Championship might be played. Manchester, London, Germany, Saudi and China have all been mooted as options.
Hendry, a seven-time world champion, thinks that it would be harsh to take it out of Sheffield.
“I think if possible, it should stay in Sheffield,” he said. You’ve got all the signs saying ‘Sheffield loves snooker’ all over the place, not just the Crucible, it’s the city itself. Because of the commitment they are showing, financial and everything to do this, I think it would be a bit cruel to take it away from Sheffield.”
BBC host Hazel Irvine then joked: “Well I think we better start looking for other buildings… what do you think Steve?”
Fellow pundit Steve Davis then added: “I don’t really know, obviously that’s not my decision, but I think the Octagon is a pretty large building in Sheffield. But I don’t know what the plans are going to be. Whatever way it works out, it’s just great that it’s here for so long after all.”
Matchroom Sport president Barry Hearn, who spearheaded the deal for the Crucible to stay as the home of snooker, expects the tournament to remain in the UK.
“If I was a gambling man I would go odds-on it stays in the UK,” said Hearn.
“But being the money man I am, if the right offer comes in I will have to consider it. Great Britain is the home of snooker, it is where we grew up as a sport, and I’m very loath to move it anywhere else.
“I have a great relationship with the BBC and you don’t want to take it anywhere that has a different time zone. There are opportunities to take it elsewhere, but these opportunities come with downsides,” Hearn said.
“As much as I love the Crucible, it’s getting a bit aged – it was becoming not fit for purpose and money needed to be spent. It’s a one or two-year gap, but everyone will put pressure on to make it just one year away. We have to really try to make it just one year.”