John Higgins believes move away from Crucible is “inevitable” as he prepares for 30th World Championship appearance

John Higgins, the four-time World Snooker Champion, is gearing up for his 30th appearance at the prestigious tournament, but he believes a move away from the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is “inevitable.”

Having last lifted the trophy at the Crucible in 2011, Higgins has come close to adding to his collection, reaching the final three times since then. However, with the current agreement for the World Championship to be held at the Crucible set to expire in 2027, Higgins is preparing for a potential change of venue.

The 48-year-old Scot, who has never missed the event since his debut in 1995, acknowledges the sentimental value of the Crucible but understands the evolving landscape of snooker. He expressed his thoughts on the matter, saying, “I think it’s inevitable. The landscape of the snooker world will have changed in three years.”

Speculation has arisen about potential new locations for the World Championship, including Saudi Arabia, China, or a larger venue in the UK. The Crucible’s limited capacity of just under 1,000 spectators often leads to high demand for tickets, prompting discussions about the need for a bigger venue.

As Higgins prepares to kick off his 2024 title bid against Jamie Jones, he remains focused on his game and is eager to give his all in the tournament. Despite the potential move from the Crucible, Higgins still holds the venue in high regard, calling it “special” and “the best place to play snooker.”

With his vast experience and competitive spirit, Higgins is determined to make his mark in his 30th World Championship appearance and continue his legacy in the sport he loves.