World Championship to stay in Sheffield

Sheffield was today set to secure an extension to its contract to stage the Betfred.com World Championship.

Tournament organisers promised “a key announcement regarding the future” of snooker’s showpiece event at 2pm.

And it is believed that will confirm the Crucible theatre as the host venue beyond the duration of the current deal with World Snooker, which expires after next year’s tournament.

Sheffield has previously fended off interest from cities including Liverpool to retain the event it has staged each year since 1977.

There was an approach from Chinese officials this time, while Abu Dhabi had also hoped the tournament could go to the Middle East for the first time.

Sheffield City Council chiefs have been determined to keep the World Championship, and a new three-year deal is reported to have been secured.