Ken Doherty warns snooker would be selling its soul by moving World Championship

Ken Doherty has warned that snooker would be selling its soul if it opted to move the World Championships away from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The venue has hosted the World Championships since 1977 and is synonymous with the sport itself. However, with its current deal to host the Championships only until 2027, a move has been suggested

Barry Hearn has been making the rounds in the media this week, warning that the venue is no longer fit for purpose. He claims that the capacity of 950 is simply not enough.

Calls to change the venue have also come from the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, and momentum is shifting towards the possibility of the World Championships leaving the city of Sheffield entirely

Speaking earlier this week, Hearn also added that there is interest from Saudi Arabia, and their financial power could well be enough to move the World Championships away from the famous venue.

Irish snooker legend Ken Doherty does not want to see the Championship leaving the venue.

Appearing on Off The Ball, Doherty said the sport would be selling its soul.

Speaking on Friday morning, he said: "It is one of these places that still give you a buzz, and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up every time you come in, particularly when you are anticipating great matches and great players playing, it's a very special place.

"I know it's in the news about moving it but I hope they never move it because it would be an absolute shame. I know it's not big enough, it's quite small. The arena holds 950 and the facilities around the arena backstage are very small.

"Maybe something could be done here but to move this Championship anywhere else in the world it would be selling our souls.

"It would be a terrible shame. I hope it never happens. I know Barry Hearn came into the studio the other day and he was saying the Saudis want it and China want it and other cities want it but this is the home of the World Championships, everyone knows it is the Crucible.

"People come far and wide across the world just to visit the Crucible it's like our Meccah. If it's sold because somebody has a fat cheque book, what is sacred? Certain things money can't buy like heritage and history and the Crucible Theatre."

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