Gary Wilson: “Moving World Championship from Sheffield would ‘ruin’ tournament”

Gary Wilson, the snooker player from Tyneside, has expressed his strong sentiments about the World Championship potentially leaving Sheffield in an exclusive interview with Sporting Life. Wilson believes that moving the tournament from its iconic venue, the Crucible, would “ruin” the event’s reputation, history, and overall essence.

The future of the World Championship in Sheffield has been a topic of discussion, with the tournament contracted to stay at the Crucible until 2027. However, former World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn has suggested the need for a larger venue, challenging Sheffield Council to build a new facility for the event.

Wilson proposes the idea of a “new Crucible” on the existing site, with a larger capacity of 2,000 to 2,500 seats. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the heritage and history of the tournament while addressing the issue of limited seating at the current venue.

While Wilson acknowledges the financial incentives of potentially moving the tournament to other countries like Saudi Arabia or China, he expresses his preference for keeping the event in Sheffield. However, he acknowledges that if the tournament cannot continue in the city, it might be better to relocate to another country for financial reasons.

Wilson’s recent success in snooker, including winning the Scottish Open and Welsh Open titles, has elevated his profile in the sport. He also received praise from snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, further solidifying his position in the game.

In addition to his thoughts on the tournament’s potential relocation, Wilson also raised concerns about officiating practices in snooker, particularly regarding the use of video replays to ensure fair play and accuracy in decision-making.

As Wilson prepares for the upcoming World Championship in Sheffield, his focus remains on performing well in his first-round match and making a mark in the prestigious tournament. With his strong opinions and determination to excel in the sport, Wilson continues to be a prominent figure in the world of snooker.