John Higgins adamant World Snooker Championship will leave Crucible Theatre – 'It will be a sad day'
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Published 26/04/2024 at 07:10 GMT
John Higgins feels the World Championship is heading for the end of the road at the Crucible Theatre. With the sport's agreement with Sheffield City Counil expiring in 2027, the four-time world champion feels a move to a new venue is likely. "It's going to be a sad day when it leaves here," said the Scotsman after a 10-6 win over Jamie Jones. Watch the World Championship live on discovery+
Higgins wraps up win over Jones at World Snooker Championship
John Higgins is convinced the World Snooker Championship will no longer be hosted by the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield beyond 2027.
After completing a 10-6 win over Welsh qualifier Jamie Jones in the final first-round match on Thursday night, Higgins spoke openly about what the venue means to him during his 30th successive appearance at the sport's biggest event.
Amid media reports the flagship tournament could be hosted by China or Saudi Arabia when the current agreement with the Crucible expires, Higgins did little to quell fears it will be leaving South Yorkshire – 50 years after John Spencer defeated Cliff Thorburn 25-21 in the 1977 final.
The Scotsman – who has lifted the world title in 1998, 2007, 2009 and 2011 – will meet Mark Allen over Saturday, Sunday and Monday with the first man to 13 frames reaching the quarter-finals.
"Listen, I've just go to go in and enjoy it. I've been down from the get-go enjoying the city, the tournament, practising and hopefully the last 16," said Higgins after winning five of the final seven frames against Jones – conqueror of 2010 champion Neil Robertson in the final round of qualifying – having led 5-4 from Wednesday's first session.
"The atmosphere was amazing. It's going to be a sad day when it leaves here... 30 years.
"It means everything to me when you think what you achieved, who's been here, my family... it's been a massive part of my life."
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Hearn on Crucible future - 'You can't eat history'
Former World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn has intimated the importance of a bigger venue and increased prize money as key driving factors in the decision-making process.
"It will be a shame when it leaves here," said Higgins on the BBC. "Which I think it will in about three years' time.
"If somebody said to me at the start of my career, I'd win four world titles, I'd bite the hand off them.
"There will be people looking at the draw, thinking they want to win the World Championship at the Crucible, because that is where you'd love to win the world title.
"But I've done it, so happy days."
Higgins is relishing his latest joust with Allen, their sixth meeting of the season with the Northern Irishman 3-2 ahead following his 10-7 win in the first round of the Tour Championship last month in Manchester.
"It's incredibly difficult, but he's not got a great record here. He would tell you himself. He's only been to two semi-finals," said Higgins. "One with me in 2007 and last year against Mark Selby.
"He's provisionally number one in the world which tells you everything you need to know. But he will be under pressure because he's wanting to come here and win the event.
"And he is maybe looking at the draw with Luca [Brecel] and Selby going out, and thinking this is the chance to win it for the first time.
"It is hardest to win it the first time."
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